"Sure Signs Of Heart Problems"

Feeling tired and run down, shortness of breath, pain that seems to run down the arm, and tightness in the chest are all signs of possible heart problems. Oh, they may indicate other things, but their presence ought to be enough to cause someone to seek some remedial attention or help as soon as possible. It may be the difference between life or death.

Death related to heart disease is still at the top of the list (as far as I know) for taking people from this life. A lot of advertising, health segments and encouragement from health agencies is aimed at warning people of the impending danger, and cautioning them to make changes in their lifestyle that would promote better health and reduce the danger of cardiac related incidents. Many continue to do what they have always done, and believe that such could never happen to them. It can happen to anyone, tall or short, fat or thin, physically fit or not. Each one needs to examine their lifestyle and see what they can do to reduce this danger.

A Graver Danger

The worst case scenario for a heart problem is physical death. We all know that we will die one day (Hebrews 9:27), but we would like to stay here longer to see our children grown, and to see our grandchildren (if the Lord wills). What could be worse than being struck down with a lethal heart attack? It would be failing to make preparation while we were alive for that which lies beyond the grave. Jesus pointed out that the thing to fear is not what someone might do to you, for the worst thing they could do is put you to death (physically). He said that we must fear God and the end result of the judgment that will follow our death (Hebrews 9:27; Matthew 10:28). Physical heart disease may usher us into eternity, but spiritual heart disease will send us to an eternal hell.

Warning Signs Of "Spiritual" Heart Disease

A Divided Heart
Jesus said, "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon" (Matthew 6:24). When speaking about the love we ought to have toward God, Jesus called upon those who would follow Him to "love the Lord your God will all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind" (Matthew 22:37). God desires whole-hearted service and love, not half-hearted.

When You Experience Weak Spells
Some folks serve God only when they are in the mood to do so. They run both hot and cold. Jesus spoke with condemnation toward the church at Laodicea because they were lukewarm. They somehow had imagined that if they took a little hot and a little cold and blended them they would be all right. One will certainly compensate for the other and on the overall average it will be all right. Jesus did not think so. When we go through those stages, our family observes. They soon learn just how important serving Christ is to you. Long after you determine that complacency and mediocrity ought to be left behind, you will find your children far off from the Lord and almost impossible to move toward Him, because your weakness was a more powerful teacher than was your time of faithfulness.

When Everything Is A Burden
People who are spiritually weak see everything as a burden. Even though they have never opened their Bible between the last time they were here and today, the Bible class is just boring. We sing too many songs, bro. so and so's prayers are too long, and that preacher was gunning for me again. Long before the service is over, people with this disease are anxiously awaiting the final amen. Their minds drift ahead to their afternoon and evening activities. "Why does God expect so much of me?" "Shouldn't God be happy that I came out this morning, He certainly can't expect me to come some other time, can He?" "You'd think He wants to control my life. I have a life, and I fully intend to live it." "Anyway, too much religion is not good for you!"

When Prayer Is Only A Last Resort
One of the early warning signs of spiritual heart problems is linked with prayer. Instead of going to God with prayer and being persuaded that He will answer it, the person with this disease seldom addresses God in prayer. They take what He gives and like many in the world around us, they fail to give thanks for it. It is only when everything else has failed that people with spiritual heart conditions will approach God in prayer. Prayer ought not to be the last line of defense for us, it ought to be our constant companion and ready source for help in all of life's situations.

When You Will No Longer Be Admonished
To admonish someone is to help others see what their responsibilities are. It may at times involve rebuke but generally is an effort to stir someone up to greater service. The person with spiritual heart disease doesn't want someone reminding them of their duty, in fact, they don't want anyone telling them anything. What they do and the extent to which they do it ought to be sufficient.

Conclusion

There is no magic potion that we can give you, no prescription drug from the pharmacy that will help you if you have spiritual heart disease. You must initiate the cure from within by allowing God's word to penetrate your heart, fill your mind, and direct your steps. It is only when you see that serving God is a privilege, that being called His child is an honor, and that having salvation through Christ is a joy...then, and only then, will you be on the pathway to better spiritual health. For, then and only then, will you make the greatest possible effort to influence others knowing that they too need what Christ has offered you (forgiveness of sins and a hope of everlasting life).

Not everyone will heed the warning signs, but we must plead anyway. Take steps today to change your life and to improve your spiritual health.