For the word of God is living and effectual …. piercing …. and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart

If there was something wrong with your body, would you want to know? Some people don’t, especially if it is serious. I know of cases of those who fearing they had cancer, refused to go to the doctor. But what if there was a cure? In some cases, you know there’s a cure, for example if you have an abscessed tooth. Of course the cure may cause you more pain for a little while, but short term pain for long term relief only makes sense! However somehow for many, many people, when it comes to dealing with emotional, mental and spiritual problems, this type of common sense seems to go out the window.

What seems to be at play here, it is our propensity to rationalize, it’s called a denial. The saying seems to be true that if someone wants to do something he or she will find a thousand reasons to do it. On the other hand if that same person does not want to do the very same thing, they will find a thousand reasons not to do it! But if what we want to do, or don’t want to do, is wrong, there are always negative consequences. The Scripture talks about the pleasures for a season (Hebrews 11:25), and the immediate short term pleasure seem to be a huge part of the problem!

This morning’s verse from Hebrews 4:12, gives us the cure. The point is, that the Word of God cuts through the crap, cuts through the rationalization and denial, and exposes our hidden motives and our twisted thinking (the thoughts and intents of the heart). Jesus told us that those who are well do not need a physician (Mark 2:17), that is those who are in denial, those who don’t see the need. And yes it can be painful to have sin exposed. But surely it’s better to do it sooner rather than later. Sin not dealt with leads to more and more destruction (Proverbs 14:12), and in the end we will have to give an account of what we have done or not done (Matthew 12:36). On the other hand as I keep saying, He came that we might have fullness of life!

Father, thank You for the gentle and merciful way that You deal with us. We see this so clearly in Your dealing with the woman caught in the very act of adultery (John 8:1-11). Thank You that there is now therefore no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). Thank You that as the great physician, You want take out of our lives those things which are spiritually cancerous. Thank You Lord that I have learned to welcome Your Word, You scalpel, which is designed to cut out such cancer. Thank You that You who have begun a good work in me, will bring it to completion on the day of Christ. In Jesus Name Amen