The Heart

For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth to show Himself strong in behalf of those whose hearts are blameless toward Him. —2 Chronicles 16:9

The King James Version of this verse says that God looks for those “whose heart is perfect toward him.” What does it mean to have a perfect heart? It means to have a heartfelt desire to do right and to please God. A person who has a perfect heart truly loves God, though he himself is not perfect. He may still have things in the flesh to deal with. His mouth may still get him into trouble. He may make mistakes or lose his temper. But when he does, he is quick to repent and make it right with God again. If he has offended someone else, he will humble himself and apologize.

When God looks for someone to use, He doesn’t look for somebody with a perfect performance but a terrible heart attitude. He looks for someone who may not have a perfect performance but who has a right heart toward Him. God has all kinds of positions open in His kingdom. To fill those positions, He is always bringing one person down and lifting another person up. If we don’t behave ourselves and keep a right attitude, we won’t be in a position for God to use us in the way He wants to use us. He can promote us, but He can also demote us. In our organization when we get ready to promote people, we don’t look for those who are the most talented. We look for those who have a right heart attitude, those who are willing to do a little extra when called upon to do so. That is the way God is. And, one of the main things He looks for when He is ready to promote a person is a perfect heart.