We have all heard of people
slumping to death or of people dying in their sleep. This is Sudden Death,
of which most causes are traceable to one form of heart disease or the other.
Some heart diseases are not easily detected. They remain hidden and steadily
eat away at the person. At times too, the person may be aware of the
disease but does nothing about it, or even treats it carelessly. Hypertension,
for example, is a rise in the pressure of blood in the arteries. This places a greater
burden on the heart which must pump against that high pressure. When this
continues over years, the left ventricle which pumps blood into the systemic
circulation thickens. This is Left Ventricular Hypertrophy which could eventually
lead to Heart Failure.
At other times, the coronary
arteries which supply blood to the heart may be clogged with cholesterol
deposits. This narrows the opening or lumen of the affected artery thereby
reducing the amount of blood that passes through it to the heart per unit time
(Myocardial Ischaemia). The ischaemia reduces the amount of oxygen delivered
the heart muscle. If the artery is eventually occluded, the supply to the heart
is cut causing death to the part of the heart affected (Myocardial Infarction)
which in turn, could lead to Heart Failure or Sudden Death from ventricular or
atrial fibrillation. This sequence of events happen due to neglect by the
person concerned. Often, there are symptoms that suggest that the heart is
ailing, but instead of having proper medical check, some choose to ignore them.
Even if there were to be no symptoms, it is still good self care to have
regular medical checks, but many ignore this too.
A person’s spiritual health is no
less dependent on the state of their heart than their physical life is. Our
heart is the seat of our thoughts, emotions, words, actions, reactions and
interactions. It is where our choices and decisions are made, and where our
company is chosen.
Our hearts are
naturally inclined to evil. The Bible says:
Every imagination of the heart of
humankind is evil continually.
– Genesis 6: 5
The heart is deceitful above all
things and desperately wicked. Who can understand it? – Jeremiah 17: 9
The hearts of all are full of evil.
Madness is in their hearts while they live.
–
Ecclesiastes 9: 3
It is from within, from the human
heart, that evil intentions come: Fornication, theft, murder, adultery,
avarice, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, folly. – Mark 7: 21 – 22
If left that way, our heart will
lead us to destruction, as when a diseased heart, if left untreated, will lead
to death.
It is only God who can treat the
heart, and His prescription is radical surgery – a Heart Transplant.
A new heart I will give you, and a
new spirit I will put within you; and I will remove from your body the heart of
stone and give you a heart of flesh. – Ezekiel 36: 26
God is confronting you with the true state of your heart.
Don’t excuse yourself. God does not lie. He knows you better than you may think
you know yourself. Agree with Him on His verdict and allow Him carry out a
Heart Transplant on you. Then, and only then, can you have a heart acceptable
to God and prepared for heaven. Receive the Lord Jesus Christ by faith today
and this will be your portion. When Jesus saves you He changes your heart to
love, follow and serve God. He enables you to truly love and care for others.
He changes your priorities and taste, and aligns them with God’s will for your
life. For short, things get better. All this can be your experience if you get
a new heart from God.
Peace be with you!
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