An undivided heart
by Margaret Silvester
What a prayer! It’s a prayer about God’s ways, God’s truth, and it’s about God’s desire for my heart and yours. It’s a prayer that God will definitely answer, because it’s the way He wants me to live.
To learn God’s ways and to walk in God’s truth is all about lifestyle. It’s ongoing transformation - by having my mind renewed. Then my daily decisions can line up with God’s will and purposes more and more. It’s the way to freedom.
An undivided heart is a heart fully committed to God and to His will. An undivided heart is set on God and is willing to submit to Him in complete surrender. It’s a heart like the heart of Jesus, who loved the Father and only did what the Father commanded Him (John 14:31). Jesus is seated on the throne of the undivided heart and He reigns there as Lord. True love, obedience and service can only come from an undivided heart.
We are told ‘love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength’ (Deuteronomy 6:5). Love for God must be exclusive. It can’t be shared with other gods. He alone is worthy of the highest devotion and praise. This kind of love is a response from the heart that has experienced the wonder of God’s unconditional love. God doesn’t simply love in words – His love has been expressed to the fullest extent in the sacrifice of His Son Jesus.
We are told ‘Obey the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul’ (Deuteronomy 30:2). In the Bible true obedience is not forced – it’s the fruit of love. Real obedience is sometimes costly; it takes risks and leaves the consequences to God. Jesus said, ‘If you love me you will obey what I command’ (John 14:15).
We are told ‘Serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul’ (Deuteronomy 10:12). This is service which is rooted in love for God and obedience to God. Service from an undivided heart has nothing to do with striving, nor does it seek recognition or reward. It springs from a living relationship of love and obedience with the living God.
Do you have an undivided heart, or are there areas in you which need to be re-committed to the Lord?
Prayer: Today, Lord, please give to me an undivided heart to love You, obey You and serve You in the way You desire. Amen.
Margaret Silvester had a career as a teacher prior to being called into full time Christian Ministry with her husband, David, in 1986. They were involved in establishing a Healing Ministry in the local church and Margaret has a passion to see lost and wounded people found and restored. She and her husband joined the Ellel Ministries teaching and ministry team in 2000 after a clear call from God. Margaret`s book "Stepping Stones to the Father Heart of God" has recently been published.
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