WHAT DOES YOUR HEART SAY?

“This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence: If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. “
1 John 3:19-20 NIV

This somewhat obscure translation becomes a little clearer when we read it in a more modern version.

“Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God. Even if we feel guilty, God is greater than our feelings, and he knows everything. “
1 John 3:19-20 NLT

Let’s get this straight. John is not saying that our good works, helping our fellow believers in need, for example, qualify us for salvation. This way of thinking nullifies Jesus’ work on the cross. We are saved by grace through faith alone, and nothing can ever change that.

However, John is saying, as James confirmed in his letter,

“So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.”
James 2:17 NLT,

that faith in Jesus that does not bear fruit in loving service to others, is suspect.

How can we be confident in God’s presence that we have done enough to prove the reality of our faith? I think this question often troubles the believer. What if we are disqualified when it is too late to do anything about it?

Jesus told a story about ten virgins, five wise and five foolish. The wise ones took extra oil for their lamps in case they had a long wait for the bridegroom. The foolish virgins made no such provision. Matthew 25:1-13

What was the point of the story? Many interpretations have been suggested, but often miss the point because they ignore the context. Jesus gave His disciples an extended answer to their question regarding His return, including parables that emphasise His main point… “Keep watch, be ready, don’t be caught off guard.”

To understand this parable, we must first see it in its Old Testament setting.  The Word of God is often described as a lamp or a light. Obedience to God’s Word is like a lamp that lights our way as we journey towards the Father.

“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.”
Psalms 119:105 NLT

The implication, in Jesus’ story, is that a lamp needs oil in order to shine. No oil means that the lamp goes out. The five wise virgins (bridesmaids) kept their lamps burning by continuing obedience to God’s Word. They were ready when the bridegroom arrived.

The foolish virgins gave up on their obedience to God’s Word, and they were, consequently, caught off guard when the groom arrived.

Jesus concludes His story with these words…

“But he called back, ‘Believe me, I don’t know you!’ “So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return.”
Matthew 25:12-13 NLT

To know Jesus implies obedience to His commands, as Josiah did in the Old Covenant story,

“But a beautiful cedar palace does not make a great king! Your father, Josiah, also had plenty to eat and drink. But he was just and right in all his dealings. That is why God blessed him. He gave justice and help to the poor and needy, and everything went well for him. Isn’t that what it means to know me?” says the Lord.”
Jeremiah 22:15-16 NLT

While the Old Covenant has 613 commandments, the New Covenant sums them up in two.

“And this is his commandment: We must believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as he commanded us.”
1 John 3:23 NLT

And so, says John, if we continue to obey His commands, we will have a good conscience, knowing that God knows better than we do, and that He does not forget our good deeds.

“For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do.”
Hebrews 6:10 NLT

We must never allow guilt feelings to control our thinking. Guilt is not God’s way to motivate us. Guilt is Satan’s weapon against us, his way to drive in a wedge between us and God.

“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.”
Romans 8:1-2 NLT

The issue is not about salvation. The issue is about the fruit of salvation. The Holy Spirit in us produces the fruit as we follow His leading. So, when we are led by the Spirit, He will guide us to act towards others in a way that confirms our obedience to Jesus as Lord. Faithfulness to our calling and duties prepares us for the Bridegroom’s return, whenever He comes. When we keep our lamps burning at all times, we will have a clear conscience before God and we will not be caught off guard at any time of day or night.