April 3

The Divided Heart

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. — Matt 6:21-22 BSB

He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. — Jas 1:8 BSB

The closing verses of Matthew 6 show us the danger of a divided heart. The Greek word for “care” literally means “that which divides.”

Some people are divided by anxiety. A person full of worry can’t move forward any more than someone can sleep if they’re wondering whether they locked the front door. Others are divided by inner conflict—a struggle between wanting to be kind, helpful, and agreeable, and yet feeling awkward, distant, or disagreeable. Still others are torn by impulsive and passionate desires. Blessed are those who can keep these impulses in check. Even the Apostle Paul admitted to this struggle between his better self, which longed to do God’s will, and his lower nature, which led him astray. St. Augustine spoke of how his mother’s prayers influenced him, but his passions continually pulled him away from his spiritual ideals.

John Bunyan also illustrated this internal conflict, describing how two selves warred within him. The devil whispered, “Sell Him!” But Bunyan resisted, saying, “I won’t!” However, the tempter continued urging him, and eventually Bunyan gave in, only to suffer deep remorse, caught between his desire to follow Christ and his tendency to fall away.

A divided heart lacks stability. Those who make their mark in life are focused—“This one thing I do.” But more than focus, we need dedication to God. We must not only be united within ourselves, but also united with Him. Let us make Psalm 86:11 our prayer: “Knit my heart to You, that I may fear Your name.” When we surrender to God, He will separate us from the world and weave us into His life.

Prayer

O Faithful Lord, grant us faithful hearts, devoted to You and to serving others for Your sake. Amen.