Today’s Reading, Ephesians 4-6
Focal Scripture: Ephesians 4:18 “They are darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them and because of the hardness of their hearts.”
Have you ever been around someone with a hard heart? I have and it is emotionally and spiritually draining. It is emotionally draining because it is difficult to understand how a person lacks empathy and concern for others. They seem to only care about themselves and never show any true emotion except for frustration or anger. When you are around someone with a hard heart spiritually it drains you because they don’t see the obvious state of their heart and soul. They believe they are good, when in fact they are experiencing Gods wrath in that very moment. You care more about their eternity than they care about it themselves.
In today’s reading Paul explains what happens to a person with a hard heart. This type of person is lost and doesn’t know about the salvation of the Lord. Here in this verse Paul is explaining how the Gentiles live their daily lives. They are far from God because of their thinking. Their thinking is destructive because they don’t desire to know God or care about his holy standard. Paul then says because of their thinking and hard hearts they are excluded from the life of God. In other words because they believe they have it all together they are condemned to judgement, they condemn themselves. Their minds and hearts betray them.
I can’t tell you the number of people I have encountered who have a hard heart and arrogant mind. In my travels I have witnessed to people who have openly declared they are too smart to believe in a Holy God. They then brag about their sin and how nothing will ever change their actions, thinking, or behaviors. These people need the gospel. The Holy Spirit is the only one who can soften their heart of stone.
So what about you? Do you have a heart of stone? If it is made of stone, I want to encourage you to really examine why your heart is that way. Is it hard because you believe you don’t need the Lord? Or is it hard because of trauma you have experienced? I want you to know that if you would submit to the Lord he can bring you peace and break that heart of stone.
Know that the Lord is powerful and mighty. He is a refuge to those who are hurting. He can change everything about you and show you a better way. This way will not only open your mind but will bring you new life. The challenge is are you willing to admit you need a savior.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Philippians 1-4
