“And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had not depth of earth: but when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away” – Mark 4:6-7 (KJV).
Here we see the definite effects of the word of God in various hearts represented by the different grounds. As powerful as the word of God is, the condition of one’s heart can make it of no effect. Hardened heart makes one to lose out completely from the blessings and transforming effects of the word. The word or the seed that fell on stony ground representing the hardened heart was scorched by the heat of the sun because it could not take root in the hard ground.
Our failure to stay focused on spiritual things can result in hardness of heart where the senses rule one’s life. It will make it very difficult to fully comprehend or grasp spiritual realities. We see the example of Thomas, one of the apostles, who was ruled by the natural senses. He could not believe the testimony of the rest of the apostles that Jesus was risen. Even when he learnt that Jesus appeared to them, he hardened his heart until he saw sense evidence. Until one is able to rule one’s mind, this battle cannot be won.
We need to understand the implications of hardness of heart especially as it applies to Christians. If we understand this, the process can be reversed and used to our advantage. This will result to firmness, resolute heart and steadfastness. One has the power to determine what one’s heart accepts or rejects.
- Hardness of heart makes one to take God’s love and grace for granted.
- Hardness of hearts makes one to miss out from intimate walk with God.
- One could fall out of favour and miss out of the blessings of God.
- Hardness of heart grieves the Holy Spirit.
- Hardness of heart stunts one’s spiritual growth since it will deny one of deep encounter with God and intimate experience of God.
- Hardness of heart will deny one access to spiritual things, for without faith it is impossible to please God.
- Hardness of heart will lead to spiritual dryness.
To cure one of hardness of heart, word meditation and consistent communion in prayer should be given priority in one’s life.
PRAYER: Oh Lord, search my heart and break every hardness towards your word in Jesus name.
Rev. Vincent Diolu