I heard a story about a man whose chest x-rays had turned up some dark areas on his lungs. The man nearly fainted when the doctor told him how much treatment would cost. So, undeterred, he asked the doctor how much it would cost to touch-up the x-rays!
How about you? Do you avoid going to the doctor because you’re afraid he might find something wrong with your health? When you do go to a doctor, do you disclose your
symptoms or hide them? Do you want a doctor who will tell you everything’s fine when it isn’t? Or, do you want a doctor who does a comprehensive exam to find anything that might need attention, and then begins the required treatment?The Living God is in the business of examining our spiritual heart:
“I the Lord search the heart
and test the mind,
to give every man according to his ways,
according to the fruit of his deeds.” Jeremiah 17:10
And He is very thorough:
1O Lord, you have searched me and known me!
2You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from afar.
3You search out my path and my lying down
and are acquainted with all my ways.
4Even before a word is on my tongue,
behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. Psalm 139:1–4
Is that scary or comforting? That depends on whether or not you trust God, and believe He wants the best for you. David is an excellent example of the right kind of attitude:
23Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
24And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting! Psalm 139:23–24
Why are we so hesitant to come-clean with God and cooperate with a complete examination of our heart? Maybe it’s because we think He’s against us. Maybe it’s because we’re afraid that He might ask us to change how we’ve been living? Maybe it’s because we have yet to come to wonderful realization that He loves us and wants us to be healthy in heart, and that He can heal and restore whatever is wrong “in there.”