I spent nearly ten years of my early adult life responding to medical emergencies as a firefighter in the Hollywood, FL Fire Rescue Department. Over that time I encountered many heart attack victims. Also known as a myocardial infarction or (MI), an attack on the heart muscle is due to the loss of blood supply generally caused by a blockage of a coronary artery. The death of heart muscle causes shortness of breath, chest pain and electrical instability of the heart muscle tissue. On scene treatment includes CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), administration of medication, and at times electrical shock. Over 90% of heart attack victims who reach the hospital survive so a quick response, proper treatment, and transportation are critical.
Did you know that there is another kind of heart attack that we all face every day? It is an attack on the affections of our heart, also known as heart idolatry. When Jesus entered into your life and redeemed you through faith, He claimed your heart as His own. He has claimed the throne of your life and will tolerate no rival. The problem is we tolerate rivals to our Redeemer and fill our hearts with idols. To name just a few:
- The idols of affection, approval, achievement
- The idols of power, position, prestige
- The idols of security, success, sensuality
- The idols of recognition, respect, reputation
- The idols of comfort, control, calling
How does this list resonate with you? Is there something we have not mentioned that is attacking your heart right now? If you are not sure, ask yourself, “What do I love, hope, trust, or fear?” If you love a structured life without any uncomfortable interruptions, control will be your idol. If you hope for a pain free providence, living inside zones of comfort will be your idol. If you trust in financial security, earning as much as you can will be your idol. If you fear being alone and single, being in a relationship (any relationship) will be your idol. When you get right down to it, idols of the heart are false saviors, promoting false gospels, promising false hope. We go to them expecting them to do for us what only Jesus can.
Just as a lack of blood supply causes physical death to your heart, a lack of Jesus causes spiritual death to your life. It is only by keeping the gospel before us and preaching it to ourselves every day that we are able to forsake all of our idols and turn to Jesus because we realize these idols cannot deliver on their promises. Jesus not only delivered on His every promise, He continues to deliver daily.
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him”
Lamentations 3:22-24
Let me encourage you in closing. You are not alone in the battle of dismantling your heart idols. Every Christian is fighting the same battles on different fronts. Consider it not a strange thing to be in this battle and to be wearied by it. But remember, Jesus has won your victory on the cross. The King came for you and purchased you with His precious blood. And once you are His, nothing can separate you from Him (Rom. 8:39). Call on Him. Seek Him. There is help from the Great Physician for every heart attack.
This is the gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT…AMEN!
Grace for the Race 