What We Deserve

Jeremiah 17:9-10
(9) The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?
(10) "I the LORD search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds."

We all naturally have a Pelagian view of man. The idea of damnation for those who do not believe the gospel seems unfair. After all, they aren't bad people, right? I mean, most of them aren't, right? They go to work every day and try to take care of their families. They keep up their yards on the weekends and they watch their kids' soccer games. Sure, they may be a little too obsessed with work or with hobbies sometimes, and maybe they don't honor their wives like they should, but they aren't too bad, right? And sure maybe they surf porn on their own, but that doesn't hurt anyone. After all, those models are well-paid and are there because they want to be, right?

I think that is the typical American view of salvation. We need Jesus as an add-on. However, most people don't think that they really need Him. By everyone's standards they are just fine.

This passage tells us a different story. Here we see that the unregenerate heart is sick. God judges people completely justly. He does it based on the heart. He just gives us what our hearts want. If we do not know Jesus then we really don't want salvation. We just want a more comfortable life on our terms.

My prayer is for a fully-committed life. I am overwhelmed by how far short I fall with that. However, I the desire encourages me. I don't think I would have this desire apart from the Holy Spirit working in me.

What do you want? What does your heart seek?