By Mike Demory

IN Mark 4:14-20 and Luke 8:11-15 Jesus tells the parable of the sower or soils. Represented are four different types of soil that depict differing hearts found in mankind. From our text let us examine what the Bible is speaking of in relation to the heart.

        The Mental Ability of the heart: The Bible ascribes comprehensive activity to the heart by the fact that it can think: “Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?” (Mk. 9:4), and “Out of the heart come forth evil thoughts” (Matt. 15:19). The heart understands (Isa. 32:4; Matt. 13:15), it knows (Prov. 14:10). We are able to believe with our heart (Rom. 10:10); reason with our heart (Mk. 2:6) and judge with our heart (1 Jn. 3:20-21).

The Impressibility of the heart: Through scripture we learn that our emotions flow from the heart. Our heart “rejoices” (Ps. 33:21), but at the same time can lament (Prov. 15:13). Through the heart we show our love for God (Matt. 22:37), or our abhorrence for our fellowman (2 Sam. 6:16). The emotions of the heart can cause us to fear (Deut. 28:67), hate (Lev. 19:17), be happy (Prov. 15:13); or be troubled (Prov. 25:20).

The Inclination of the heart: Within each of us is a heart that is inclined to follow some sort of action, whether it is good or bad. Pride more often than not, prohibits scores of people from obeying the simple plan of salvation (Obad. 3; Prov. 21:4). With the heart we are able to determine: “But he that standeth steadfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power as touching his own will, and hath determined this in his heart” (1 Cor. 7:37). Unfortunately some go to the point of allowing their hearts to become “deceived” (Deut. 11:16; Jas. 1:26). Arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) is a common disease of our day, but Pharaoh suffered from what the Bible called a “hardening of the heart.” This condition was not something surgery would cure, rather it is a situation that involves stubbornness of our will against God’s (Ex. 4:21).

Multitudes suffer from hardening of the heart simply because they have failed to realize who the real Master truly is. Most will not obey God’s plan of salvation, but would rather follow what man has established (Matt. 7:13-14). Others, who have obeyed from the heart that form of teaching which is able to save (Rom. 6:17-18), may still have a stubborn streak which has caused them not to totally leave the cares of the world behind them (Rom. 12:1-2). Remember, it is by the heart that some will repent, while others will not (Rom. 2:4-5).

A Change of Heart: We are reminded of those in the first century who upon hearing Peter’s first gospel sermon had a change of heart (Acts 2:22-47). Their transformation came because they were “pricked” (pierced; to sting sharply) in their heart. Because of what they heard their hearts were penetrated, changing an otherwise stubborn will. It was not the result of a direct working or miraculous operation of the Holy Spirit, nor was it some heart-felt religion. Those who hold to such doctrines push aside the intellect and emphasize the emotions. It was the Word of God that caused the change of heart (Rom. 10:14-17). Saul of 

Tarsus persecuted the church because he did not have a full understanding of God’s will, yet he was a deeply religious man, sincere in what he was doing (Acts 23:1; 26:2-11; Gal. 1:13-14). One can only become a disciple of Christ by adherence to the word of God (Jn. 8:31-32; 14:15; 2 Thess. 2:14).

 Conclusion

         Biblically speaking, the heart is not the organ of the flesh, but represents the true character of the individual. Although intellect, emotion and the will of the heart are vital aspects of our unique characters, an honest heart is also required. In Luke 8:15 Jesus said the good soil represented those who possessed an “honest and good heart.” Anyone who seeks the truth and desires a right relationship with God must maintain that good and honest heart. As God’s people, may we keep our hearts in all diligence through pure religion (Prov. 4:23; Jas. 1:27).