The Greatest Symbol

I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the LORD. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart. Jeremiah 24:7

We live with symbols in front of us everyday. In fact every fast food chain has a symbol that they want us to remember them by whether it's the "golden arches" or a "Bell". People have identified themselves with symbols, I read a blog today and it mentioned iconic symbols such as Abe Lincoln's stovepipe hat, or Steve Job's famous black turtleneck. Much like the accomplishments of the individuals just mentioned, their symbols are powerful, they convey a message, they leave something behind, and often it's the first thing you think of when hearing the names of these individuals. Today's verse shows what symbol we should live by as followers of Christ, the heart. As a result of living with a heart for God the Lord say's "you are my people and I am your God"

A Jiffy commercial appeared some years ago where a mother makes a peanut butter sandwich for her son. When the mother gave the son the sandwich, the peanut butter had a heart design on it. The greatest symbol we can live with as Christians is a heart for God behind everything we do. It's not just a job but it's the heart of God behind how I perform my job, it's not just my talk but the heart of God behind how I talk. "Heart first living" influences the lives of unbelievers and showers them with grace, mercy, peace, hope and the Love of God. Living "heart first" for God is the greatest symbol that my life and your life could live by. When we live heart first the message that is conveyed, the message that is left behind and the first thing that people will think of when your name is mentioned is "we are God's people and He is our God".

Lord help me to live with heart first above everything that I do. I want people to see the reason behind everything I live and You are that reason. Keep my heart pure, focused, intentioned towards you, treasured on the things you treasure. In Jesus name, amen.