“But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” Hebrews 3:13

In this verse, the writer of Hebrews is addressing believers. As he says in verse 1, “Holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling.” Did you know that the nature of sin we all possess (1 John 1:9) can deceive you to such an extent that your heart becomes hardened? This is applicable to believers – not the unregenerate. Believers are in danger!

A hardened heart does not perceive the grievous, damaging nature of sinful behavior and choices and is much harder to be penetrated by the written word or preached word. This is a heart problem, and a serious, dangerous one at that. If left unchecked, a heart can grow so hard that only the softening power of the Holy Spirit can correct it.

The solution to avoiding a hard heart is two fold:

1) Exhort one another. By warning each other as brethren, in love for each other and Christ, we can pull each his brother back on track.

2) As Hebrews 4:1 says, “let us therefore fear.” By understanding that WE TOO can be affected by hardness of heart, one must walk in humility and fear before God Almighty. I must be willing to ask, “is my heart hard?”

May our hearts be softened that we may honor Christ in the world.

Originally published December 2013