Tables of the Heart

I recently told my brother that people don't always know what's in your heart.  Maybe they didn't get the full story, or then again maybe you were just a little too afraid to really show what's there.  So how do others see what's written in our hearts?

My best thought was that it's the thing you stand up for.  If something is written in your heart, it is a sincere part of you, it's found not only in your actions but your thoughts, your feelings, your convictions...

When God covenanted with the House of Israel he promised, "I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people."(Jeremiah 31:33)

As we do His will and pray for that conviction, God writes His law in our hearts.  It's not just a duty anymore.

One of the questions I was supposed to answer was "What is a doctrine that is written in your heart? How did you get it there?"  Well...

Sacrifice.  In my heart I know that there are some things worth sacrificing for, namely people you love and the gospel of Jesus Christ.  There was a period of time where I thought I was being asked much more than I could give.  I kept at it.  I kept pushing and pushing and in the end, every single thing I was asked to give was worth it.  Everything.  It was worth it all.  It was worth the doubt, the depression, the sorrow, the time...I put it to the test.  When it didn't seem worth it anymore was the time that became most precious and life-changing.  And now I know that God will never ask me to sacrifice without great purpose.

What's written in your heart?

Leading to Truth

Paul was an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, and he explains to the people that his obligation to preach the gospel was huge.  He said, "...necessity is laid upon me, woe unto me, if I preach not the gospel!" (1 Corinthians 9:16) Knowing what he did, he was almost compelled to teach.

He shared some of the wisdom of his teaching experience with the Corinthians: "And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews...to the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak..." (1 Cor 9:20-22)

One of the sisters in my mission (who was an incredible teacher, by the way) taught me about "leading people to truth".  For them to accept the gospel, you have to go to where they are, and help them make the connections and do the actions that will lead to their progression in the gospel.  That's not to say that you act in ways that aren't in harmony with the gospel of Jesus Christ, but you do adapt to their circumstance and belief.  We learned quickly that what we had taught wasn't the same as what they had learned.  We would use questions like, "What do you think about ____? Do you believe that? Why do you believe this?" And we would add our testimony to anything they said that was true.

It changed my teaching.  I can testify with Paul that it is so important to find common ground.   That way in our discussions with others, everyone will be open to learn and be edified. :)

A Missionary Like Paul

Paul spent a whole lot of his time preaching.  Let's see how he practiced what he preached.

Actions that complemented Paul's teachings (See 1 Thessalonians 1:1-6, 2:1-13, and 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12, 3:7-9)

• He recognized the people's sacrifices and hard work in living the gospel
• He prayed for them always, asking for the grace of God to be with them.
• He remembered who these people were (Children of God, chosen of Him)
• He taught with power, the Holy Ghost, and great assurance
• He spoke the truth boldly despite persecution and the use of flattery by others to win followers
• He didn't seek glory or praise
• He labored night and day
• He acted holy, justly, and unblameably
• He exhorted, comforted, and charged
• He did all he could to sustain himself and not be a burden
• He was willing to impart not only the word, but his own soul, because the people were dear to him

 Have you ever talked to a missionary who's like that?  Someone who has a strength of character that has been proved, who now faces the world with courage, and who in absolute sincerity is willing to do anything because he cares about you?  That combination is powerful.  I think a lot of times we do ourselves a disservice as teachers because we don't open up our hearts like that. Maybe it's just a duty we're getting out of the way ("I really don't want to give a talk tomorrow..." *insert sheepish face. I know I've been there!) On the other hand, maybe we really do want to serve God.  I just hope we can learn to do it with true courage and charity.

My brother and I have been concerned with huge numbers of teenagers and young adults who are becoming inactive, just not buying what they hear in church anymore.  We both decided that the law is only as important as it helps people to come unto Christ. It's people that are the most important.  In my life, I want to be like Paul--I want to thank people for their strength and sacrifice.  I want to pray for the grace of God to attend them.  I want my teaching to be filled with comfort and assurances.  I want to see people for who they really are and never ignore their concerns. Above all, I hope I will always willing to impart "not the gospel of God only, but also [my] own soul, because [they] are dear unto [me]." (1 Thes 1:9)