Over the years I’ve heard many Christians say “God knows my heart.” Usually they say it after they make some kind of mistake and this saying is said as a kind of sentiment to reflect that “they meant well” so God won’t mind. At times it has been used to excuse all sorts of terrible behaviour.
Anyway, I want to examine this phrase for just one moment and see exactly what the Bible has to say about “our hearts.”
First of all 1 John 3:20 says that “God is greater than our hearts, and He knows everything.” So yes, He does know our hearts. However is this a good thing?
In Proverbs 17:3 it says that “God tests our hearts.” So from this we can conclude that God not only knows our hearts, but that He examines them specifically. Finally in Jeremiah 17:9 it says that “the heart is deceitfully wicked.” In other words, our heart lies to us and cannot be trusted. It is evil and deceitful.
So if God knows our hearts – thats a bad thing, because our hearts are rotten to the core. The Bible says elsewhere that “our righteousness is as filthy rags.” So even that which is our very best, is still just junk in God’s eyes. What we think is a pure motive still reeks of selfishness. In fact, what the English Bible has translated as “filthy rags” is none other than “menstrual cloths” in the original intent. Our very best effort, our purest motive… it’s just a used tampon in God’s eyes.
So next time you make a mistake, or something doesn’t work out – don’t use the excuse “Its OK, God knows my heart.” No – pray for grace and keep yourself humble and close to God. There’s no future in anything else.
Listen to my MP3 – Is Your Diamond Real?
Finally, Proverbs 28:26 says “He who trusts in His heart is a fool.” So don’t assume the best about yourself, don’t trust your motives. Trust the Lord and cast yourself on His mercy.
