Tag Archives: Heart

A Heart Marked by the Excellence of God

Articles August 14, 2022 Leave a comment

“Man is said to be after the image of God, not as regards his body, but as regards that whereby he excels other animals…by his reason and intelligence.”

St. Thomas

Very happy to share with you a new article in the series on the “Excellence of God.” Enjoy it!

Having understood that the mark of God’s excellence is the image of Him impregnated within the soul of the human being; and even more so, having understood that Jesus is the living image, the exact reproduction of God the Creator Father; the precise path has been traced to elucidate how the heart of God is reflected in the heart of the human being.

Let us consider here the reasoning of St. Thomas, which reads as follows:

“Man is said to be after the image of God, not as regards his body, but as regards that whereby he excels other animals. Hence, when it is said, Let us make man in our image and likeness, it is added, And let him have dominion over the fishes of the sea (Genesis 1.26). Now man excels all animals by his reason and intelligence; hence it is according to his intelligence and reason, which are incorporeal, that man is said to be according to the image of God.” (Piper, Desiring God 1971)

St Thomas

John Piper, in his study “The Image of God”, shares the following support in this line:

“The early church fathers were quite agreed that the image of God in man consisted primarily in man’s rational and moral characteristics, and in his capacity for holiness.” (Piper, Desiring God 1971)

Thus, God has deposited in the heart of the human being a part of His being, establishing a great difference between the creation of man and woman; and the other created beings, such is the case of the animals, who do not carry within themselves the image of the Triune Creator God.

According to the analysis of David Casas and Russell Fuller, in their article “God’s Image – The Difference Maker,” when examining how man is similar to God, it is excludeH of course the physical body since God is Spirit (John 4:24). And, on the other hand, creature limitations are excluded since God is infinite, eternal, and immutable in all His attributes (Psalm 90:2; Malachi 3:6; Jeremiah 23:24). On the other hand, man resembles God by having a free, rational, and personal spirit, which includes, say the authors, a conscience with the law of God written in his heart; therefore, man can rule over nature in a similar way as God reigns.[1]  Let us quote Romans 2 here to support this truth:

“For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.” (Romans 2:14-16)

Therefore, the heart of the human being is not only marked by the image of God, but the very law of God has been written in it. And this, without exception, all human beings, men and women; boys, and girls; healthy and sick; without socioeconomic distinction. Absolutely all of us are bearers of the image of God; and we all carry the law of God written in our hearts. In the same way for both believers and unbelievers. All human creation, without exception!

The fact that man resembles God, that his heart bears God’s mark of excellence, has at least three profound implications.

According to the study by Casas and Fuller, the following are said implications,[2]  which we will detail one by one.

1. The Image of God Establishes Human Dignity

Here it is possible to expose the atheistic and the pantheistic thought. According to the cited authors, by denying the image of God, atheism diminishes human dignity and reduces man to a fortuitous or casual event, as if he were an evolutionary product of matter, or a simple animal. Pantheism, on the other hand, denies the image of God and instead diminishes human dignity by exalting all of nature as a manifestation of God.

The Scriptures, however, testify to the dignity of man. Being created in the image and likeness of God, he is positioned above all nature. For this purpose, let us quote two very appropriate passages:

“Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beingsand crowned him with glory and honor. You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet” (Psalm 8:5-6)

“Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” (Matthew 6:26)

2. The Image of God Establishes the Sacredness of Life

The authors point out that atheist cultures reject the sacredness of life while devaluing the lives of the born and unborn as state policy. However, the Word of God protects the sacredness of life in its laws. And with respect to this subject, what is stated in Genesis 9:6 has been sufficiently discussed before (in previous articles). God decrees that if someone commits murder, the murderer must still lose his life, because man is made in the image of God. The authors here emphasize that the crime is really a direct assault against God. In fact, in a situation, such as the one exposed in Genesis 9:6, God will personally search for the murderer and will hold him responsible.

Along these lines, it is interesting how John Calvin observed that because man is the bearer of the image of God, God considers Himself “violated in his person”, in other words, “the victim”. Therefore, he says, you cannot harm another human being without harming God Himself.

The authors conclude that God created the sacred life of man. If this life is destroyed, there is no other way than divine judgment.

3. The Image of God Establishes the Necessity for God’s Redemption

If man would not have the image of God in his being, in his heart, the plan of redemption simply would not exist. It should be clarified that the above does not imply that possessing the image of God entitles sinners to redemption, but redemption requires that sinners have been created in His image.

It is tremendously interesting how Casas and Fuller explore this topic. And they say that God’s purpose for sending His Son in the likeness of man was to renew the image of God in humanity through the Gospel. Let’s examine Ephesians 4:

“and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:24)

In fact, Christians have been known and predestined to conform to the image of His Son, according to Romans 8:

“For those whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, in order that He might be the firstborn among many brothers.” (Romans 8:29)

Thus, the gospel, once received, renews the image that was marred both by Adam’s sin and by our own sin so that the believer can “bear the image of the heavenly”:

“Thus, it is written, ´The first man Adam became a living being´; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit… Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven.” (1 Corinthians 15:45,49)

Image of beautiful young couple drinking coffee while walking by

Because God created us in His image, thus being crowned with glory and honor, and because of His infinite grace toward us undeserving sinners, God sent His Son to redeem us.

As human beings, we are tremendously privileged because our hearts have been marked with the very image of the invisible God. He has bestowed upon us dignity and holiness. He has instilled courage in us, regardless of our condition.

And not only that, but in the midst of our sinful condition, a condition that separates us and breaks communion with our Creator; and because of this, we are judged, singled out or discarded by our environment; it is amazing to know that He Himself has prepared the way for our redemption and restoration. Jesus Christ, the image of the invisible God, is such a way. And here it is worth quoting 2 Corinthians:

“And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” (2 Corinthians 4:3-4)

Thus, for all the above, it is clear that Jesus is the image and fullness of God; therefore, human beings reestablish the image of God in their hearts, in His being, while Christ becomes the very center of their lives.

The excellence of the heart of God was definitely impregnated in our heart, now it is we who must expand the heart of God wherever we go.[3]

[1] David Casas and Russell Fuller, “God´s Image – The Difference Maker,” Answers in Genesis, https://answersingenesis.org/are-humans-animals/gods-image-difference-maker/

[2] David Casas and Russell Fuller, “God´s Image – The Difference Maker,” Answers in Genesis, https://answersingenesis.org/are-humans-animals/gods-image-difference-maker/

[3] Cecilia Yépez, “Excellence Stems from the Heart – Part 2”, Blog “Towards Excellence”, https://towardsexcellence.org/2017/04/10/excellence-stems-from-the-heart-part-2/

An Extraordinary Intelligence!

Articles August 7, 2017 Leave a comment

A heart full of God will bring about the development of a healthy mind, an extraordinary intelligence, originally created to do good and not evil; to build up and not to destroy!

The future of medicine – Epcot Center

In the past century, mankind has experienced the widest deployment of development. A development in technology, in medicine, in industry in general; a development in the conquest of space. But unfortunately, also a “development” in the different spheres of evil.

I recently saw a video, showing that with a small device that was placed slightly near a lady’s purse, it was possible to steal all her credit card information. Consequently, shortly after that, the thief could make any purchases he wanted, and charge the respective cost to the victim’s credit card.

Certainly, technology has moved forward by leaps and bounds; we can hardly keep up with it. We are saturated with networks and messaging systems: Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Instagram, Whatsapp, Messenger, just to name the best known in the market. Indeed, all these great and ingenious tools have made communication easier and have magically shortened geographic distances. They have dramatically reduced the costs of communication between loved ones, separated by diverse circumstances; and of course, have also reduced costs in business communications.

Amazing! Yes, indeed, astounding! But perhaps for our teenagers and for the generation of young people on the planet, this happens almost unnoticed. For them, it is normal to count on the service of internet and access to the world through networks. They have not stopped to think about the great advantages they have today; and let alone, the great drawbacks that come with it.

So it is, “advantages” and way too many. With just a click I have the information of the world in my hands. With just one click I can make a free call to a friend who is on the other side of the planet. With just a click I can search for the school assignment for the next day. With just one click I can hear good music that cheers my soul. Yes, “advantages” that simply demonstrate the extraordinary insights of the human brain, the extraordinary intelligence of the human being embodied in these great inventions for the benefit of society in general.

But unfortunately, this extraordinary intelligence has also been used for evil purposes. Just by taking the example of technology, we know it is true. Just as the internet could have been created to benefit in a thousand and one ways to society; this great invention today, is also a double-edged sword, with which many are seriously injured and they hardly recover from it.

A large part of the internet has become the dump and the rot of cyber space. Let me quote just a couple of examples that truly produce disgust, repugnance and even terror:

“In 2006, 89 percent of the estimated 270 million pornographic Web pages existing worldwide were produced in the United States.” [The Judges´Journal, 2013]

“Three men have been arrested in Sweden on suspicion of raping a woman in an assault that was broadcast live on Facebook, police have said.” [The Guardian, January 2017]

And I could mention not only thousands, but millions of examples that, in addition to producing disgust, it also produces a deep pain in the heart. How many children are abused? How many teenagers in the prime of life are victims of human trafficking? How many young people have lost their lives in the hands of psychopaths? How many people have been scammed out of their bank accounts or credit cards? How many boys have fallen into the “business” of the hit man? How many have been attacked in these and some other horrific ways through social networks?

So, let me ask you. How are you using your extraordinary intelligence? How are you developing the wonderful brain that God has given you as a human being? And, how is your heart?

The Word of God says in Jeremiah 17: 9-10 “The heart is deceitful above all things, and beyond cure: Who can understand it? I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.”

Let me invite you to open your heart to the Lord of lords, to Jesus Christ Himself and let Him test your heart. Sincerely confess your sin before the Lord Jesus Christ and be assured that the Lord will forgive you and you will certainly, experience peace like never before in your life.

A heart full of God will bring about the development of a healthy mind, an extraordinary intelligence, originally created to do good and not evil; to build up and not to destroy!

 

What is Contaminating the Excellence of the Heart?

Articles, Inspiration June 18, 2017 Leave a comment

“The beauty of the human heart originally permeated by our God Creator is abruptly attacked by the sin of the human being himself.”

 

In previous articles I have emphasized that excellence starts from the heart of God, and our Creator has definitely permeated the excellence of His heart in ours.

Yet sadly, the human heart is not always aligned with God’s heart. Why? The answer is simple but truly profound … because of sin.

In one of the articles I published recently, “Excellence Stems from The Heart – Part 1,” I briefly shared one of my traveling experiences in submarine, in Hawaii. And yes, when traveling to the bottom of the sea it is indisputable to meet the enchanting creation of God. Colorful vegetation and a diverse and extraordinary array of marine species that leaves us breathless when proving that there is indeed an exotic underwater world, of wild beauty and endless secrets, not all discovered, not entirely revealed.
The depths of the sea resemble the depths of the human heart. So much beauty, although sometimes damaged and even destroyed.

Carthaginian II – Lahaina, Maui

While my eyes reveled in the beauty of the underwater species, every colorful and vivacious image suddenly ceased when it faced with the ruins of a rusty and destroyed boat. An image that certainly produced other images in my brain, images of destruction and consequently, loss, pain and even death.

Any similarities with the depths of the human heart? For if we are honest and travel towards the depths of our heart, we will observe that we find not only beauty: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5: 22-23).

But sadly, we also find: evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander (Matthew 15:19).

The beauty of the human heart originally permeated by our God Creator is abruptly attacked by the sin of the human being himself.

And sin is simply man’s disobedience to the laws set forth in the life manual that God has given us through His Word -the Bible.

And many may say, and in fact have told me, “I do not sin, I do not harm anyone … I live my life the best I can … I try to do good…”

But let me invite you so that in the solitude of your room you make an honest journey to the depths of your heart and see if you do not find some elements that have contributed to the contamination of your heart: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lust, idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like (Galatians 5: 20-21).

The Word of God, our life manual tells us: Let God be true, and every human being a liar (Romans 3: 4). So if we are truly honest, we all have absolutely fallen into at least one of these sins. Consequently, we have broken the law of our Creator’s life manual.

And if we are honest, by breaking His law, our heart does not experience peace, our sinful heart does not rest until it finds forgiveness and healing from its Creator.

Many marine species have been endangered because of the various contaminations they have suffered: oil, fossil fuels, garbage, among others.

If we recall the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion in the heart of the Gulf of Mexico in 2010, “the oil spill area broke through the ranges and the habitats of more than 8,000 species including birds, fish, mollusks, crustaceans, sea turtles and marine mammals (…) shrimp found themselves without eyes, crabs without tweezers, and fish with injuries and tumors through their bodies”. [1]

Likewise, the human heart is in danger of death, and eternal death if it does not return to its Creator, to Jesus Christ, the Giver of life, the eternal life. He Himself said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14: 6).

Certainly, there is beauty at the bottom of the sea, but it is in danger of being contaminated. The responsibility to take care of it and to preserve the wonderful marine species is undoubtedly ours, the human beings.

And excellence is found in the depths of our heart. However, it is at stake of being contaminated by sin. It is our responsibility to seek the solution to preserve it pure and healthy, free from the slavery of sin.
Indisputably, the solution is Jesus Christ. And in His Word He clearly states, “I have come so that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10).

How is your heart today? I invite you to embark on a journey into the depths of your being and call out to your Creator, Jesus Christ, so that He comes to your rescue, heals and restores your heart, because life flows from it.

Sources:

[1] http://www.oceanfutures.org/news/blog/Derrame-de-petroleo-del-Deepwater-Horizon-5-anos-de-secuelas