A Clean Heart: Part 1

καρδία

kardia-the heart, that is, (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind)

What I suspect was a result of numerous situations going on in my life and our world, I had a dream last night I had an arranged marriage with a middle-eastern girl that had an Islamic background. Sure, it sounds odd (and will become even more so), but thus is the life of Eddie Cross.

Anyway, in the dream I remember meeting her, then greeting her family. They all seemed pretty nice, and my first impression of her was positive. Don’t laugh too hard, but next we went on an admittedly stereotypical camel ride through the desert (I have no idea if that really happens, by the way). After a few miles, we decided to halt our little journey to sit down and talk about why I was there.

Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.
(Proverbs 4:23 ESV)

First and foremost, I wanted to make out an image of her relationship with Christ. Although I know many questions were asked of her, I can only recall one specifically:

“I know that you have an Islamic background that consisted of many different traditions and beliefs. Which of these have you and your family retained, and which have you given up? How has that affected your daily life and walk with Christ?”

Now, I could make up some extravagant response to further the emotion, but to be completely honest…I don’t remember what she said. Despite this being the case (and because this girl is a fabrication of my mind), I would argue that what is more important here is a further look at the motivation behind asking such a question.

And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.
(Ezekiel 36:26 ESV)

Primarily, I wanted to see how Christ had changed her heart; I had a desire to hear more about the transformation of her spirit. Although I do not remember her overtly telling me, I had a feeling she used to harbor a lot of hatred in her heart for those that did not adhere to the Islamic faith. I knew that He had promised to give us a new heart and spirit, and that I and many others have received them, but I wanted to learn more about her personal experience.

For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
(Titus 3:3-7 ESV)

My purpose was to see how God had removed that prior hateful spirit from her and replaced it with His Spirit, and in turn, how that new Spirit has altered who she is today. Sure, it is a tough inquiry, but I think it would really give insight into her character…if she were real, of course.

How has my heart changed since I accepted Christ? What parts of my heart are still hard and in need of softening? What are some steps I can take to make my heart more like Christ’s? These are a few questions I have been reflecting on and asking myself a lot lately.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
(Psalms 51:10 ESV)

Though I know a new heart lies within me, that my body has been “washed with pure water,” my prayer is for God to keep my heart and mind clean, and for my spirit to be continually renewed to a state of righteousness–all as I seek to further comprehend this transforming love that is available through Jesus Christ.

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
(Hebrews 10:22 ESV)