Risk factors (Part 1)
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. - JAMES 4:8
Heart vitality depends on its being purified of factors risking health. “Double-minded” is, literally, “to be in two minds.” Conflict of values and desires brings stress to the heart, physically, emotionally and spiritually. The only answer is to “draw near to God,” making Him the heart’s priority.
Heredity can be a threat to the health of the spiritual heart as much as to the physical. You may have grown up in a home where you were robbed of parental approval, and your heart bears the scars. Your heart can be healed if you focus now on who you are in Christ, not who you were.
Spiritual neglect is a third risk factor affecting heart health. God never stops calling us, but life’s activities and demands can distract us from His voice. God says “I stretched out my hand, and no one paid attention; and you neglected all My counsel, and did not want My reproof.” (PROVERBS 1:24-25) Get rid of the risk factors and you will secure the health of your heart.
TODAY’S FOCUS
Ask God to purify you of the risk factors listed today.