OF ESTABLISHED HEARTS
“So you also must be patient. Establish your hearts [strengthen and confirm them in the final certainty], for the coming of the Lord is very near.” James 5:8 AMPC
While fatherhood and leadership in the church are vital, and submission to them beneficial, our ultimate allegiance must be to God, not man.
It’s heartbreaking when a believer turns away from God because a leader or mentor has made a mistake. In James 5:8, we’re encouraged to establish and strengthen our hearts in certainty—certainty in whom we have believed.
Though you belong to a community of believers and a local church, your first and foremost loyalty is to God. Christ is the one that died for you, not your pastor or mentor. You must resolve that no matter where people fall short, you will remain faithful to Christ, trusting that He will place you in a community where you can grow and thrive.
As Charles Spurgeon wisely said, “I have learned to kiss the wave that throws me against the Rock of Ages.” Trials will either draw you closer to God or push you away.
The resolve in your heart determines which way the pendulum swings. Praise God!
Prayer: Father, I thank You for this truth and for all the provisions You’ve made to strengthen my spirit during times of trial. My heart is set on following You above all, knowing that these treasures are in jars of clay, so that the excellence may be Yours as I yield. All glory, honor, and praise belong to You, in Jesus’ name. Amen!
CI.
RELATED RESOURCES
• 2 Corinthians 4:7
• Philippians 3:12
