Jesus struck the key point behind these three questions when he told this story long ago:

"But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, 'Son, go, work today in my vineyard.' He answered and said, 'I will not,' but afterward he regretted it and went. Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, 'I go, sir,' but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?"
They said to Him, "The first."

Jesus said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him; but tax collectors and harlots believed him; and when you saw it, you did not afterward relent and believe him." (Matthew 21:28-32 NKJ)

The first son said that he wouldn't go and work, but did. The second said that he would go and work, but didn't. I've often thought there should be a third son, one who says he will go work and does. "Where is your heart" during this Christmas season?

Jesus said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." (Acts 20:35) and we call this the season of giving. Do you have it in your heart to do something special for someone in need or someone who is lonely? I hope that you do.

We talk ourselves out of it.

The problem for some of us is that we talk ourselves out of it. That is why I asked the second question, "Where is your head?" We have a heart to do something but often tell ourselves that we don't have time, or that we may be misunderstood, or any number of other reasons that we shouldn't actually do what is in our heart.

The last question was "How is your follow through?" Just like the second son in Jesus' story, we are basically told in Scripture that "words are cheap so we must show our love by our actions" (my paraphrase). (1 John 3:18)

Let's not get to January and regret that we didn't do what our heart wanted to do during this holiday season. Let's follow our heart and show God's love in a way that will bless someone else and make our holiday season rich.

 

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© 2005 Mike Barres.

Title: "Where is Your Heart"
Author: Mike Barres
Publication Date: December 07, 2005

If You Want to Walk on Water You've Got to Get Out of the Boat by John Ortberg John Ortberg invites you to consider the incredible potential that awaits you outside your comfort zone, out on the risky waters of faith.

Mike is a pastor and writer for a number of online publications.

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