Proverb 3:33

The Lord’s curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the dwelling of the righteous.

Almost everyone has thrown a rock into a pond or body of water that created the ripples in the water. The size and speed of the ripples depend on the size of the rock, how fast it hits the water, the depth of the water and other factors. But the bottom line is that when a rock falls into the water, there are ripple effects. Anything floating in the water gets affected too.

Our attitudes and conduct are like rocks falling into our “sea of influence”. We set the tone in our homes, school and workplaces. And since our actions are determined by our thoughts, emotions and inclinations of our hearts, our hearts are the real source of ripple effects that affect ourselves and others.

The heart is the “rock” that the Lord sees and responds to…hearts of righteousness and wickedness. Hearts that dwell on His Word and hearts that dwell on the world. Hearts influenced by the Holy Spirit and hearts influenced by our corrupt nature and others. Hearts that increasingly grow in obedience to Christ, and hearts that thrive in a state of disobedience. Since our hearts determine our actions and attitudes, the Lord’s response to our hearts ends up affecting our families and those closest to us.

If there is chaos in your home and life, check your heart. If your relationships are strained, check your heart. If you are constantly frustrated in life, check your heart. A heart change will affect not only your life, but send “positive ripples” through your “sea of influence”.

What’s in your heart?