Heartstrings

by

Pastor B.J. Knefley

What or who has your heartstrings? Is it a person or is it a thing? Have you even thought about it? What are heartstrings? It’s what draws you, draws to your deepest feelings and desires. A grand parent might say that a child is tugging at their heartstring. That means that the child is touching the deepest part of them. When someone or something reaches that place, they have gained a place of great importance.

The question could be asked of anyone, “What has your heart?” The answer to that question may or may not be accurate. For example, I might say that God has my heart, but a careful look at my checkbook might reveal that there are many more things that have my heart than God. The same could be said for those that identify their spouse, or family as having their heart. A quick look at how and where they spend their time and money might reveal something entirely different.

In the Book of Mark, Jesus encountered a young man who was patting himself on the back because he had kept all the commandments. Jesus told him he had one more thing to do, sell all that he had and give it to the poor and then come follow him. He turned and walked away with a heavy heart because his heartstrings were attached to his money (Mk10:17-22). Morally this man was good. He was doing the right thing. But doing and being is two different things. In this case he was doing it. The commandments were met. In today’s terms he went to church, gave his money, served the poor and was helping in every place you could think of. But one thing was lacking. When it came to giving it all away and just being with Jesus, he couldn’t do it.

When it comes to the heart we can say one thing but the heart will reveal our true motives. Outward actions do not always reveal what’s in the heart. As in our story, a person can do all the right things, but for all the wrong reasons. Ask yourself the question, “What has my heartstrings?” The answer might surprise you. Think about it.