But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

1 Samuel 16:7, NASB

A Check-Up

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

Psalm 139:23-24, NLT

As both a new bride and a relatively new believer, my husband and I attended a Nearly/Newlywed class at our church. One Sunday morning, our teacher asked us to think about some recent conflicts with our spouse, confess our fault in the conflict, and seek forgiveness from both our spouse and from God. Recalling a conflict was the easy part because we had a few to choose from, but the hard part was admitting that I was in any way responsible for said conflict because I always believed it was his fault. The end.

Do you think I struggled with pride? Bless his heart.

Clearly, this wasn’t our teacher’s first barbecue, and he could read my body language like a book. He gently reminded our class (or maybe just me) to ask the Lord to search our hearts if we weren’t coming up with something right away because we most likely had some unconfessed sin in how we related to our spouse. I did so hesitantly because did I mention that it I was always right? However, within moments of giving the Lord access to my heart, conviction from the Holy Spirit flooded my soul as I realized there was SO MUCH sin in my heart.

I had believed the lie that since I didn’t lie, cheat, steal, or kill people that I was OK. I was a good person!

I had become comfortable with the pride, selfishness, and disrespect that had taken up residence in my heart, and the constant companion of unforgiveness had gone completely unnoticed.

Few people would disagree with the benefits of a regular physical exam by our doctor, but what about a regular heart check with the Great Physician who not only knows our hearts, but created them?

Maybe today you see no danger in harboring a “little” sin that has become a constant companion, but in the eyes of our Holy God, sin is sin and must be dealt with.

Today is a great day for a spiritual check-up. Will you allow Him to search your heart?

Amazed by His grace,

Traci