"Mr. Gorbachev,
tear down this wall!" declared President Ronald Reagan in June of 1997,
calling for the Soviet leader to open up the barrier that stopped the free
flow of people. The wall came down and freedom brought blessing. It still does.
The person who builds walls around their heart, allowing others in only if they
meet certain preconditions, has inadvertently constructed a self-imposed
prison. While thinking they have wisely assembled a protective fortress against
disappointments, they have guaranteed a lifetime of sorrow and loneliness for
themselves. This behavior actually shuts out God’s Presence as much as it shuts
out people and leads to unfettered selfishness. Father, deliver me from all
efforts that lead to contempt and unthoughtfulness toward others. Where a wall of
selfishness stands, Lord, in Your mercy, tear down this wall.
A serious pursuit of godliness requires an equally serious renunciation of worldliness. Too often, we measure spirituality with false scales. While being wisely selective with our public vices we are less so with our private attitudes and perspectives. In reality, it is the thoughts and intents of the heart where the greatest battles must be waged; our actions will ultimately align with the condition of our hearts. Lord God, You know me inside out, You are not fooled by human facades. Plow my heart with Your Word and Spirit and leave nothing unturned. Refresh my inward man that I may outwardly glorify You in all places at all times.
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