Heart Alignment by Josh Fletcher

We need heart focus and alignment

I just turned 35 five this year. I know what some of you are thinking, “He’s still just a kid” but 35 is an interesting age for me.

I have noticed some white hairs growing in my beard, only a few over on the side. My beard demonstrates my stage of life. I have just enough life experience that I am unable to blame youthful ignorance for my choices, but not enough wisdom to avoid embarrassing mistakes. The consequences of this can be quite humbling.

I am learning to ask the right questions of myself. And those questions are quite important. I am learning to allow life’s circumstances to open my heart to God in new ways. My heart is coming into alignment with God’s heart. This has led me to practice spiritual discipline (prayer, fasting, meditation on scripture, journaling, etc) with a renewed focus.

When we speak of heart alignment in the practice of spiritual discipline we are speaking about the orientation of the heart toward God’s kingdom purposes rather than our own. Certain verses of scripture come to mind:

Matthew 6:3 “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well,” Matthew 6:21 and Luke12:24, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also,” and similarly Proverbs 27:19 “As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man.”

Our heart is aligned with God when we are summarily disinterested in our own way and singularly focused on the way God has for us. Proverbs 19:21 says, “Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.” Spiritual discipline is aimed at “treasuring Jesus” much like Mary at Christ’s feet in Luke 10. When we treasure Jesus in our hearts, our whole person begins to come into alignment with Him. He is the better part.

I hope that you are experiencing a shift in your heart’s alignment as well, whatever age you may be. The aim of a spiritual discipline is not selfish ambition or vain conceit; rather it is the coming of God’s kingdom in and through the participant. Whether you are 25, 35, or older, if this description of heart alignment has peaked your interest perhaps it is time for you to consider renewing your focus as well.

Josh is the Director of Spiritual Formation and Men's Ministries at Crossroads Church in Concord, NC. He enjoys spending time with his family as well as fishing, doing artwork, reading and writing.