Ted Okolichany
Guest Columnist
We see the story of three biblical characters who experienced significant battles of the heart, three men who went through a tremendous strain and discovered a lot about themselves. These examples can teach us a lot about ourselves.
The first is Judas Iscariot. Judas had a problem with greed; he was in a position to use money that did not belong to him and got in the habit of pilfering. When Mary, the sister of Lazarus, broke an alabaster vial of perfume, to anoint the feet of Jesus, Judas objected. Satan entered Judas’ heart to betray Jesus, and he did so in the garden of Gethsemane. Later, Judas regretted what he did.
Next is Jesus Himself. Jesus prayed fervently to the Father in Gethsemane. Jesus is here a condemned man, knowing that He is going to suffer much and die a lengthy, agonizing death. There was a great battle going on in his heart: do I save myself and fail my Father’s purpose, or do I die an agonizing death and fulfill His will?
Our third is Simon Peter who denied his Lord three times after being told he would and professing that he would die first. Peter faced a crisis of fear and was temporarily lost but later gained enough strength to endure all that came his way. Peter did turn back, did go to the empty tomb, professed his love for Jesus three times, and boldly preached and served the Lord the rest of his days.
Like Judas, some people fail God and decide life is all over. They go off and die bitterly sad and alone. Judas regretted what he did but did not repent as Peter did. What Peter did was just as sinful as what Judas did, but Judas could not face up to and repent of his sin. He did not realize how great the grace of God is.
Like Jesus, some folks know what they must do, as hard as it is, and decide to do it, because they love God and put others first.
Like Peter, many grow afraid, deny the Lord by their actions, and later weep bitterly when they must finally face it. Peter faced his sin, grew from it and was able to bless the lives of others.
Your battles of the heart may also define what kind of person you are. Don’t give up on yourself if you fail. Everyone fails at some time or another. When you fail, repent and ask God to forgive you. He will. Learn from your mistakes, and let God use you to bless others. He will.
The only people Jesus saves are sinners. You can choose not to be like Judas or like Peter when you sin. Which will it be? Where is your heart?
Evangelist Ted Okolichany serves at the Central Church of Christ in Monticello.