The Bible relates that Amaziah, king of Judah, “did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, but not with a perfect heart” (2 Chronicles 25:2). The two statements seem contradictory. How could they both be true? Man’s heart condition determines his values, priorities, and decisions in life. Although appearances seemed good, something was awry in Amaziah’s heart. We later read that, “He brought the gods of the children of Seir, and set them up to be his gods, and bowed down himself before them” (2 Chronicles 25:14). 

The Israelites claimed to be God’s people, yet “They did flatter him with their mouth, and they lied to him with their tongues. For their heart was not right with him” (Psalm 78:36-37). 

How then do we obtain that perfect heart that God values so highly? 1 Kings 8:61 admonishes us to, “Let your heart therefore be perfect with the Lord our God, to walk in His statutes, and to keep His commandments, as at this day.” Although walking in God’s Word is evidence of a perfect heart, it is a result rather than a cause of that perfection. 

The perfect heart cannot be realized by man’s most virtuous and strenuous efforts unless it has first been unconditionally surrendered to the Son of God to be formed and molded as He sees best. It involves a conscious choice to surrender self in all its forms to the only One who can give us a new heart. This change begins with an initial act, but then it is a continuing process. The transformation of our heart into something that honors its Creator can be painful, yet the finished product is well worth all the trials.  

Is your heart perfect in the sight of God? 

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8 

~ Pete Lewis