A Work of Heart

Reading of the Day: 1 Chronicles 11-13

1 Chronicles 12:38: All these men of war, that could keep rank, came with a perfect heart to Hebron, to make David king over all Israel: and all the rest also of Israel were of one heart to make David king.

We are talking about David again here in these chapters of 1 Chronicles, because this book goes back over some highlights of the reign of the many different kings-and David had a lot of highlights! When it was time for David to become king, we had read previously how everyone came together to declare it. But this verse definitely highlights one major factor: the heart behind it all! It's true that people can come together for many different reasons, and just by the size of a crowd, things could look right. It could look convincing. It could look like the right group to be involved with...but we have to be careful to study the heart & motive behind the following! In David's case, it is clear that people came with perfect hearts in agreement in making him king. They were genuine because David was also genuine in his devotion to God & the people. But we can't forget that there were so many kings who gained followings who led the people astray! It's kind of like social media today. We have to be careful of influencers who could have great following, but not-so-great motives. It's hard to tell sometimes, but that's when we pray & allow The Lord to examine our hearts & give us direction regarding those we spend our time following & viewing. God will always bring things to light that we need to see! It may seem like a daunting task at times to manage & restrict those around us from influencing us, but it's a work of heart! Keeping our hearts guarded & pure, especially in this day & hour, is difficult...but that's why it's so much needed! Proverbs 11:21 says: "Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered." So even though people join together for a cause, God still judges those who band together for the wrong reasons...but the righteous will be delivered! Let's keep our hearts set on God, letting Him do a work of heart in us & those around us!