The Heartstring Illustration . . . .

Looking for a simple way to check your spiritual bearings?  The Heartstring Illustration is a tool I have used for years to help me sort out who or what is ruling my heart when dealing with a problem.  Here is the set-up:

This is how it works:

1. Copy the illustration of the heart within the triangle on a piece of paper.
2. Write down your name (or the name of the person you are trying to help) in the bottom right space next to the triangle.  Now, write down the problem in the space to the left of the triangle–using as few words as possible.
3. Draw an arrow from your name toward the top of the triangle and then another arrow from the top to your problem.
4. Now ask God to help you identify what has influenced your actions/attitude up to this point.  Write down each motivating factor that comes to mind at the top of the triangle.
5. Now, take a step back and consider your motivation.  Pray: Ask God to help you to see who or what is ruling your heart as you are trying to deal with the problem–is it Him? Or is there something (or someone else) that is influencing your thinking?
   If God is listed there, give thanks!  However, whatever else is listed there (perhaps emotions like fear or anger) can be an idol and needs to be confessed as such.  

But don’t stop there , , ,
THANK HIM FOR REVEALING YOUR SIN IN ORDER THAT YOU MAY BE FREE TO
LIVE FOR, LOVE AND SERVE HIM BETTER AS YOU PRAYERFULLY LOOK TO HIM
FOR THE WISDOM YOU LACK. 

There are many Scriptures that will bear this out.  The following are two of my favorites:

“No one can serve two masters.
Either you will hate the one and love the other,
or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other.
You cannot serve both God and money.”
Luke 16:13

Who may stand in His holy place?
The one who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not trust in an idol
or swear by a false god.”
Psalm 24:3,4