hearts revealed

Luke 2:34-35
And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, "Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed-- and a sword will pierce even your own soul-- to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed. "

Interesting. One of the first things said about Jesus after his birth is that "thoughts from many hearts will be revealed." Its so easy to concentrate on behaviour. Outward appearances. We can put on a good show even with a dark heart. We can even fool ourselves. We can avoid all the obvious sins, the ones people can see. But God is after something deeper. He wants to give us a pure heart. He wants His love to go to the very depths of our being. He wants our behaviour to simply reflect the inner transformation that His Spirit is working in us. And He has promised to complete that process, He has said He will complete the work He has begun in us. I want to cooperate with Him in that, but even when I dont, He is still working to free me from whatever hinders that cooperation. He will have His way in me, and all I can do is respond with worshipful gratitude. Its grace, from beginning to end.

Thank you....