The Servant Centric Heart

My Friends,

 

This is a very long post. It is an introduction to the Servant Centric Heart. In future posts I will break this subject down into smaller pieces and expand on each part.

In the book of 1Samuel Chapter 16 God makes this statement to the prophet Samuel before picking David as the next king of Israel.

[7] But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him (David’s brother Eliab); for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

 

Later in the bible there are over twelve statements by God referring to King David as “My servant David.” With God, there is a definitive relationship in being His servant and the condition of the heart.

The word “heart” in this text refers to the core being of the spiritual man. References to this heart occur over seven hundred times in the bible. Though most of these references refer to either an evil or good heart, there are over one hundred of these references that are more specific. These heart references can be categorized into four distinct groups. These four groups or chambers, as I will call them, work together not unlike a human heart. Individually these chambers cannot work effectively (if at all) by themselves. Each of these chambers requires the assistance of the other three to work effectively. The names that I have placed on these chambers are volition, belief, empathy, and intent. Each one of these chambers holds within itself key characteristics that make up the core of our spiritual being (our “Be”).

 

The Chamber of Volition holds within it our willingness to bend to the will of another. The key character trait that God is searching for within this chamber is humility. A proud heart is an enemy to God. In the book of 1Peter Chapter 5 the apostle Peter reiterates this biblical theme of pride and humility.

. [5] … and all of you clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.

 

The Chamber of Belief holds within it the essence of our world view. The key character trait that God is searching for is truth in our innermost being, our heart. King David says this in Psalm 51 about God’s desire for truth.

[6] Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being,

And in the hidden part You will make me know wisdom.

 

The Chamber of Empathy holds within it the capacity to relate with others. The key character trait that God is searching for is compassion. Our willingness to be moved into action by the distress of God and others is core to our ability to relate emotionally with them. In the book of Zechariah in Chapter 7 the prophet relays this word from God.

[8] Then the word of the LORD came to Zechariah saying, [9] “Thus has the LORD of hosts said, ‘Dispense true justice and practice kindness and compassion each to his brother; [10] and do not oppress the widow or the orphan, the stranger or the poor; and do not devise evil in your hearts against one another.’ [11] “But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder and stopped their ears from hearing. [12] “They made their hearts like flint so that they could not hear the law and the words which the LORD of hosts had sent by His Spirit through the former prophets; therefore great wrath came from the LORD of hosts.

 

The Chamber of Intent holds within it the capacity to focus and drive the purpose of the heart. This is the chamber where faith gets out of the boat to walk on water. The key character trait that God is looking for in this chamber is courage. In the book of Matthew Chapter 14 it is courage that gets Peter out of the boat and his fear that sinks him.

[24] But the boat was already a long distance from the land, battered by the waves; for the wind was contrary. [25] And in the fourth watch of the night He (Jesus) came to them, walking on the sea. [26] When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. [27] But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”  [28] Peter said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” [29] And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. [30] But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” [31] Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”

 

Each of these chambers strengthens or weakens the others. For instance, the above passage shows Peter’s willingness to bend (humility) to the Lord’s command. This was working together with Peter’s empathy (deep relationship) with Jesus. Peter sank when he believed his eyes (seeing the wind) more than his ears. Peter’s courage failed him because his belief in the wind was more real than his belief in Jesus.  Interestingly Peter’s humility and empathy with Jesus did not fail during this test as displayed when he cried out “Lord save me!”

 

Whether it is pride, lies, callousness, or fear, we constantly struggle with our hearts. In the book of Deuteronomy Chapter 11 God asks us to love and serve Him with all our heart. It is often with a divided heart that we serve Him and others. A divided heart will cause our faith to sink and our lives to be consumed with doubt. There is a lot going on within our hearts. Let us join with King David in his prayer of Psalm 139.

 

[23] Search me, O God, and know my heart;

Try me and know my anxious thoughts;

[24] And see if there be any hurtful way in me,

And lead me in the everlasting way.

 

Your Brother in Christ,

 

DFCutler