On The Thoughts And Intents Of The Heart
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin Articles Tags: Bulletin Articles on the Heart
In the course of any immoral society, there comes a time when God will “give them up” to their depravity because of their unwillingness to repent (Romans 1:24,26,28 ESV). Such is the case in Genesis 6:5, where the text says:
“Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent [thought] of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually [all the day].”
We recall that only Noah and his immediate family were spared from God’s wrath upon mankind in the form of the world-wide flood (Genesis 7:13-24; cf. Genesis 6:8-9; Genesis 7:7; 1 Peter 3:20).
It is interesting to note that the word “imagination” found in the King James Version of Genesis 6:5 KJV, is from the Hebrew word, “Yetser” (Strong’s 3336), which is translated, “a formation, or strong desire.”
Can we even imagine living in a society so evil, that the very formation or strong desire of their hearts “was only evil continually”?
The society that the apostle Paul found himself in, had also fallen into almost the same state of moral depravity, for Paul records these words of indictment in Romans 1:28-32:
“And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting [proper]; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.”
Could not American society be brought under the above indictment as well? This writer believes so.
So what is the solution for turning a society around from one of moral depravity to one of being right with God?
Answer: Follow the inspired instructions found in 2 Corinthians 10:5-6:
“Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.”
The thoughts of every man, woman and child in our nation must be brought into alignment with God’s thinking (Isaiah 1:18), otherwise our nation is doomed to undergo God’s wrath (Romans 2:1-5,8-9).
This transformation of the thoughts and intents of the heart, can only be brought about by “thinking” on things that ultimately bring peace with God (Philippians 4:6-9). Only by willingly submitting ourselves to “God’s righteousness” (Romans 10:3; cf. Psalm 119:142,144,172), will we ever turn our nation around from its present immoral state.
Can it be done? Yes, ancient Nineveh did, from the highest ruler in the land to the least important citizen (Jonah 3:5-9).
What was the result?
“Then God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God relented from the disaster that He had said He would bring upon them, and He did not do it” (Jonah 3:10).
Let’s seriously “think” about the above thoughts, and then take any necessary action to obey God (1 Samuel 15:22-23; cf. Romans 6:17).