A Divided Heart
(Hear the Audio Form of this Vignette)
(Back to Vignettes: Table of Contents)
(Printer Friendly Version)

In counseling, we often see people whose hearts are divided. That which they know is right for them to do has become hard and ungratifying. Their affection has turned to something else which seems pleasing and satisfying, yet they know it is wrong for them. The inner struggle is often intense as they try to decide which way to go.

Usually their struggle is complicated by spiritual and mental deception. For the real issue is not so much to choose between the two competing options. Rather, the issue is, "Will you trust and serve God, or will you live for self." Once a person shifts their thinking from the arena of "what they want" to the arena of "what God wants," things become clear.

Full surrender to God's will, combined with repentance from unbelief concerning God's love and goodness, free a person from the bondage of their own desire. Such a turn from self to God releases the flow of God's grace into their life. They are empowered to walk in the way that pleases God, freed from domination of sin, and filled with joy and fruitfulness.

This is why the scripture says:

"Take care, brethren, lest there should be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart, in falling away from the living God. But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called 'Today,' lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin" (Hebrews 3:12-13 NASV).

(Back to Top)