It's The Heart, Stupid!

Back in 1992, Bill Clinton was running for president. He had an advisor named James Carville who coined the phrase, "the economy, stupid" as a way to communicate the importance of the economy in the upcoming election. Bill Clinton won.

I'm sure you will see that phrase used again and again this year as we inch towards our November elections. Our economy - the cost of gas, inflation, wages, etc. - is certainly very important to the voters. The candidate who understands the desires of the public will be the most likely candidate to succeed.

If we compare the economy with getting into heaven, we can find similar advice in scripture.

"The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good." - Psalm 14:1

It's the heart, stupid! Everyone wants to succeed in their efforts to get to heaven. Many believe if they are simply "good enough" or if they do enough "good deeds," they will accomplish their goal and "earn" citizenship in heaven. Wrong.

“Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone." - Mark 10:18

Jesus judges our "hearts" when it's time to enter into heaven. It is nothing that we have done. No deed can earn our way.

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast." - Ephesians 2:8-9

Perhaps a better title for this story should have been It's God's Grace, Stupid!

Every one of us will be judged by Jesus after we die. It's our hearts that He will examine to see whether or not we are worthy. The following words were spoken BY GOD to the prophet Samuel.

"The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” - 1 Samuel 16:7

We will be judged on the condition of our hearts. Nothing more and nothing less. Is our heart right with God? Do we strive to keep His commandments? Do you seek His will in the living of our daily lives? The condition of the heart in God's eyes is the key that unlocks heaven's door.