<a continuation from a previous post...>

Let's face it, the next one's a bit obvious...

How many times have many friends give me the same advice over a specific topic, and yet you somehow convince yourself that it's not a bad idea? We all know that getting advice is biblical, and yet it's easy to ignore said-wisdom that could spare us from trouble. Sometimes, our sin (pride, greed, selfishness, ... place your word here) can prevent us from encountering said-trouble. Look at Pharaoh:

The passage describes Pharaoh's heart as hard, but that was obvious as he simply ignored Moses' warnings (and God's plagues), again & again. We all know how this played out - more pain for Pharaoh & his people, and ultimately, his life.

Solution: Humilty (more sighing). Believe it or not, this is an easy mistake to avoid if you can just suck it up & swallow your pride for a bit. But then again, that may be a problem for some, or at certain times or in certain situations. One thing that i've learned with 'growth" is catching the triggers - I honestly believe that we can "catch" or "see" that moment where we can see where a situation we're involved with, is about to go bad. "Knowing" this may help us admit that our pride may be taking precedence, and may help in swallowing our pride. Another indicator: you catch yourself telling 3 friends that you're fine when you're not. You may believe that you're "sparing them" but in reality, you're denying them the opportunity to offer assistance (and rebuke, if necessary), all in the attempt to help & love you.

I remember several times where my own insecurities or issues prevented me from being happy for people. My introspective viewpoint was dark, I'd keep most people at arm's length, and hurting the people I'd allow in. How many times have I had conversations with people I've hurt, wishing I could change or get a better grip on things, only to fall short yet again.

Whether I want to admit it or not, this is what it's like for someone whose heart has grown hard because of sin. We all know that sin separates us from God, but it also other people as well. And it can also render us incapable of truly loving the people who are most important to us. An indicator that we may have a heart issue: We only seem to make people happy, despite our best intentions.

Solution: Honesty.

We are to walk in the light of God. And with God, there is nothing we can hide from Him. So, we'll need to get all of our "stuff" out in the open. This will also help us with item #1 in my previous post - This will help us to be vulnerable.

I find this hilarious because Paul is the most influential man (not "perfect man") in the New Testament. As much of an opponent he was towards God, he was an even greater proponent for God. He saved many lives and led & encouraged countless people. And yet, he considered himself unworthy of any praise or adoration. Who are we to be proud of any of our accomplishments when Paul presented himself as unworthy? Envy is bitter, and it makes you despise people. Instead of celebrating differences & admiring people, you spend time hoping that people fail. If you find yourself in this position, your heart has hardened so much that you can't see past what you wish you had.

Solution: Admiration. We simply need to care more about other's successes than our own. When we struggle with this, we are not as likable as those who care more for others.

This one's probably the scariest indicator of a hardened heart. The following scripture describes the end-result for someone allows their heart to remain hard:

Most of the time (hopefully), when we do something that violates our conscience, shame or guilt steps in and it drives us back to God. However, when we lose that indicator, we're in trouble. We can examine our lives & see our sin, but probably feel nothing about it - No fear or alarm, just apathy. v19 holds true - a loss of sensitivity, surrendering to sensuality, and indulge with impure things. And the problem is, it will only get worse. This is truly a difficult place to come back from.

Solution: Love. We are disciples because we have chosen to no longer live for ourselves, but become more like God, who is the epitome of love. By focusing on how to reconcile relationships, and give your heart to people, you'll reverse your current course and become someone who can feel again. and love the people closest to you in life.