A Perfect Heart

I believe God is calling His people to have a heart after Him. Having a perfect heart has been part of the life of faith from the time God first spoke to Abraham: “I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.” (Genesis 17:1)

To understand the Biblical concept of perfection, we first must understand that perfection does not mean a sinless, flawless existence. No, perfection in the Lord’s eyes means something entirely different. It means completeness, maturity. It means to finish what has been started, to make a complete performance.

The perfect heart cries out with David, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me.” (Psalm 139:23-24).

The perfect heart wants the Holy Spirit to come and search out the innermost man, to shine into all hidden parts, to investigate, expose and dig out all that is unlike Christ. The Lord’s heart-searchings are not vindictive, but redemptive. His purpose is not to catch us in sin or condemn us, but rather to prepare us to come into his holy presence as clean, pure vessels

The perfect heart yearns for more than security or a covering for sin. It seeks to be in God’s presence always, to dwell in communion. Communion means talking with the Lord, sharing sweet fellowship with him, seeking his face and knowing his presence. . “Who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord.” (Psalm 24:3-5).

We so often become busy serving Christ as Martha did, and we fail to sit in communion with him like Lazarus, or to sit at his feet in worship like Mary. John 12:2-3 “Here a dinner was given in Jesus' honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.”

All three things - service, communion and worship are essential in our lives. But like Martha, we can become tired, frustrated and sometimes even bitter in serving because we have lost the joy of a perfect heart that comes out of worship and communion. It is out of this worship and communion that the fragrance of Christ permeates our life and affects our environment and those around us.

May the joy of fellowship with Jesus sustain you, invigorate you, and inspire you as you walk out the call and ministry on your life.

Yours in Christ,

Andy Clark