Bulletin Article:

 see our archives for more

THE NUMBER ONE KILLER

   This may come as a surprise to many, but the number one killer of Americans is not cancer or AIDS.  We are terrorized by these two "much in the news" diseases.  Make no mistake about it,  they are tragic and terrible.

    Nevertheless, heart disease is still the number one killer among Americans.  A recent news story alluded to this fact.  Improper diet, lack of exercise, and stress management are cited as preventive measures.

    Heart disease is easily the number one killer spiritually, too.   Our goal must be to maintain a pure, good, and honest heart (Matthew 5:8; Luke 8:15), while avoiding the development of a "hardened" heart. (Mark 3:5; Hebrews 3:8, 15, 4:7) Consider the following four defective hearts.

    (1)  The Dull Heart.  Jesus described some in His day as having hearts which were "waxed gross." (Matthew 15:15)  The New King James has "hearts that are dull."  Robertson gives pachus, which means thick, fat, or stout, as the root.  Hence, "made callous or dull." (Volume 1, p.105)

    (2)  The Distant Heart.  Jesus describes others as having hearts which were far from Him. (Matthew 15:8-9)  Their religion was ritualistic but not righteous.  Their worship was vain because it was based upon the doctrines and commandments of men.  Worship must be in both spirit and truth. (John 4:23-25)

    (3)  The Darkened Heart.  Paul mentions the "darkened heart" in Romans 1:21.  He details how the heart becomes darkened by a lack of gratitude, vain imaginations, lusts, and lies. (See Romans 1:20-25.)  The darkened heart cannot see the good things of God.

    (4)  The Deceived Heart.  It is possible for a man to "deceive his own heart." (James 1:26) Jeremiah reminds us that the heart is deceitful above all things. (Jeremiah 17:9)

    Let us keep our hearts with all diligence. (Proverbs 4:23)  We can guard against defective hearts with purifying faith. (See Acts 15:9; Romans 10:17.)

                                                            Edward L Anderson

You may request to be put on our mailing list and receive all our future bulletins. Email us your name and mailing address.  
Go Here to add your name to the mailing list

http://www.carthagechurchofchrist.com  
copyright 2005

Web design by Ed Thomason at churchofchristwebs.com