Have you ever heard someone say, “Let’s just get to the heart of the matter”? In essence, they are saying let’s get to the core, the main reasoning of the problem. Much like the heart is the main essence of a person that keeps them living, the heart of a matter is what causes it to be an issue.
I took a close look at the anatomy of the human heart. It is hollow. It pumps the blood to the lungs and through the circulatory system through rhythmic contraction and dilation. In humans, there may be up to four chambers, with two atria and two ventricles.
The heart’s atria is the collection place (entry) for deoxygenated and oxygenated blood. Both chambers of the atria are symbolic of Jesus in our lives. He is the only way that those who lack “spiritual oxygen” can come to know God and receive eternal life. Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6. Additionally, the “oxygenated” believer must come through Him for growth and to be adequately prepared to serve in other areas in the body of Christ.
Anatomically speaking, the blood not only carries oxygen to the heart, it also takes away carbon dioxide (CO2). Chemistry was not my favorite subject so I struggled to understand the importance of the removal of the CO2 from the heart. Through research, I learned that an improper amount of CO2 causes plaque to build up. I also learned that removal is necessary for healing and preventing heart disease. In the same manner, Jesus, who was without sin, shed His blood for the remission of our sins. This blood gives us eternal life and cleanses our imperfections and impurities rendering us white as snow.
From my perspective, the ventricles symbolize the church. Ventricles receive the blood and then the right ventricle pumps it to the lungs and the left ventricle pumps it to tissues all over the body. When the church is healthy it is properly suited to aid others in coming to know Christ in a personal and permanent way and preparing them to operate in ministry in a way that edifies and encourages rather than confuses and discourages.
The septum which separates and protects each segment for its intended purpose is how the Holy Spirit operates in our lives, shielding us while simultaneously guiding us to all truth. “
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs 4:23 NIV
We the people are the very heart of the church. Spiritually, our heart does not have to remain hollow. “For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” Romans 5:5. We should recognize that we are an integral part of the life and death of the church. We can assist in providing clear channels for God’s word to flow or we can be unfiltered blood, maintaining too much gas, tasting sour and smelling, causing buildup like plaque and being a major contributor to disease killing agents in the church.
I pray today that we will get to the heart of the matter and assess the matters of our heart, recognizing how very much the heart really matters.