The words heart and mind present us with another invitation to look at the original languages because it effects our mindsets.
Our Abba sees us as whole and integrated beings. In Deuteronomy 6:6 the single word for heart is leb, and it represents the concept of heart and mind as one.
Our western mindset, is strongly influenced by Greek and Roman cultures. So, the language to communicate Abba’s concept of our being is different than Hebrew.
[Language/Translator’s Tip: one cannot learn another language well without a growing understanding of the new language’s culture. The “new” language does not run parallel with your mother tongue.]
In Mark 12:30 Jesus quotes Deuteronomy 6:5 but adds “mind” when elaborating on leb.
“And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.”
I believe this “translation” helps maintain the emphasis on the importance our wholeness. We cannot separate parts of us to only have some of them say “Jesus is LORD.” Everything in us is interconnected.
The bottom line is this: Abba wants ALL of our being. (1 Corinthians 6:19; Galatians 2:20)
WE ARE ALL WORKS IN PROGRESS.
We ALL come to Him as broken people.
Becoming whole, from our brokenness, can only be realized through surrender. The heart and mind cannot be separated. They are integral parts of the whole.
We surrender to the perfect love of God.
The enemy lies to us by telling us: “It is not safe to surrender to this love.”
Our hearts and minds respond in fear with: “We must protect ourselves.”
And our Lord says, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
Loving God is the most important thing we can ever do, and we cannot even do that unless we surrender everything to His loving LORDSHIP. It is all about this loving relationship.
It may seem impossible, but there are so many promises that remind us that it is possible.
“But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 2:16b
“You will keep in perfect peace
all who trust in you,
all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” Isaiah 26:3
Focus helps to develop relationships, trust, and mindsets.
Abba, we surrender our hearts and minds, souls and everything we are. Thank you for continually aligning our mindsets with Yours. Amen
