Calloused

My daughter, Eva loves to swing. She spends hours a day swinging and listening to music. Earlier this summer she developed a blister on her hand from the chains. She continued to swing, and the blister turned into a callus- a hard, thickened area on her skin. The callus has made it easier for her to swing without pain, but it also reduces her sensitivity, which can be dangerous.

A callus can form not only on our skin, but also on our hearts. I have found in an effort to avoid facing the pain our family has experienced this year, I've allowed this very thing to happen to me. My heart has become hard toward the Lord because I am disturbed by his providence, and I’ve become callous. My immediate reaction (once I realized this) was “I need to change my behavior!” Yes, I do, but behavior modification on it’s own won’t last. I need to have my mind renewed. I need Jesus to redirect my gaze and strengthen my affection for him. As my affections change, my thoughts, desires, and ultimately my behavior will follow.

Paul’s directive in Ephesians 7:14-24 isn’t a “one and done” thing. Daily, sometimes moment by moment, we must put off our old self which doesn’t desire the Lord and renew our minds- gaze at Jesus and seek him in his Word- and as we do, more and more we will desire to put on our new self, “created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness”.

A callus on our hearts may protect us from pain, but it also numbs us, and reduces sensitivity to our Savior and his people. If, like me, your affections for Jesus have waned, I pray that he would give us eyes to see the condition of our hearts, the kindness of his mercy, and that his Spirit would stir our love for him.

By his wounds, our calloused hearts are healed.

Natalie