"The Tin Man"
EPISODE 60
Put Your Heart Back to Work
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"You people with hearts, have something to guide you, and need never do wrong; but I have no heart, and so I must be very careful" – The Tin Man, The Wizard of Oz
"Love" is probably the most important word in all the Bible. Love drives our relationship with God. It fuels our relationship with others (Matt. 22:37-40). But what happens when our heart goes missing? Like the Tin Man, will we travel great distances, braving insurmountable obstacles, to put the heart back into our otherwise empty lives?
Heart in Our Worship
Are we "going to church" or are we "assembling for worship?" Do we merely mouth the words to songs, or are they moving us to deeper discipleship and fellowship? Is a sermon only appreciated if it's short, or do we use the time to search our lives and motivations?
Without love for God, worship is a "weariness" (Mal. 1:13). But when we love him, worship is a joy and blessing — our honorable sacrifice to a loving and gracious God. And with hearts fully invested, we'll shout, "I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the Lord!"" (Psalm 122:1).
Heart in Our Service
Are we Christians only on Sunday, or is every area of our life continually directed by Christ? Are we idly complaining about what others don't do, or are we keeping focused on new ways we can serve today? Do we pass by when we see someone in need or take the time to help?
Without love for others, we're left only with selfishness. But when we love our neighbor as ourselves, we'll spend and be spent for them (2 Cor. 12:15). And seeing the needs of those around us, like orphans and widows (James 1:27), we'll do our part to step in and make a difference in their lives.
Heart in Our Teaching
Do we think that teaching the gospel is the preacher's job, or are we actively taking the truth to others? Are we too busy with our selfish pursuits, or do we make time to lead our children to the Lord? Are we still immature believers, or are we meat-eating disciples who share God's wisdom with the world?
The lost world around us is desperately in need of Jesus. Without love for the lost, they will remain in that condition. But when we love the world, we'll persuade them to come to their senses before it's too late (2 Cor. 5:11). And with "our hearts wide open" (2 Cor. 5:11), we'll speak the message freely to everyone we meet.
A lack of love may be the greatest threat to the eternal wellbeing of humanity. But regaining love is still possible. As Jesus said, "... you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first" (Rev. 2:4-5).
