Exhortation – God Searches our Hearts

When David, king of Israel, was nearing the end of his reign and his life, he gave a commandment and a warning to Solomon. The commandment was that Solomon should build a dwelling place for God: “Take heed now, for the LORD hath chosen thee to build an house for a sanctuary, be strong and do it” (I Chron. 28:10). The warning was that Solomon should “serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts” (v.9). The Lord cannot be deceived, therefore, “If thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.”

We are building a dwelling place for God

These words were intended for us as well as Solomon, for we are involved in the construction of a holy temple for the Lord. “For we are laborers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building…let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon…Now if any man build upon this foundation…” (I Cor. 3:9-­12). In this passage, the building is being erected from our activities.

We also read in Ephesians “We are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord. In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit” (Eph. 2:20­-22).

The figure is multi-faceted. Here we are spoken of as components of the building. The parallel to Solomon is clear in either case in that we are involved in forming a dwelling place for God.

Our hearts are being searched

Those involved in such a project are working in close relationship with God. He is willing to answer our requests according to His will: “Be careful [anxious] for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6-7).

To receive such help, our faith must be strong enough to trust in the comfort of the Lord. And we must faithfully follow the gospel message: “Those things ye have both learned and received and heard, and seen in me, do, and the God of peace shall be with you” (v.9).

It is good that God knows our inner needs, but this also means He knows whether we are serving Him with sincere hearts and willing minds. To be workmen pleasing to God, we need to be steadfast in our labors.

Be ye steadfast

The theme of steadfastness is set forth in many places. “Be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (I Cor. 15:58). “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. Let all your things be done with charity” (I Cor. 16:13-14).

Steadfastness in the Truth provides the operative principle upon which God’s special care may be ours. We are warned that a double-minded man will receive nothing of the Lord. Our prayers must be accompanied by faith, not with wavering minds or doubtful hearts. Unto men and women of faith, God will liberally supply His wisdom.

I know thy works

In Christ’s messages to the seven ecclesias in Asia, we are reminded that he is aware of all things that happen within our hearts. In every case he begins the message with the declaration, “I know thy works” (Rev. 2:2,9,etc.). He knows whether or not we are building with straw or gold in God’s temple. And to the ecclesia at Thyatira he said, “I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts and I will give unto everyone of you according to your works” (v.23).

There is warning and comfort in these words. We know that “where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matt. 18:20). It strengthens our faith to know that Christ is near at all times. And it helps to know the Father will not forget our labor of love for His name: “God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love which ye have showed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints and do minister” (Heb. 6:10).

So, then, as we are involved in our daily activities, let us remember that we are called to build a dwelling place for the Lord. And let us pursue this work with sincere hearts and willing minds.