Questions from Our Readers

Here is a question consisting of a matter so often quoted and, perhaps, so often contemplated, but when one sits down to answer this question especially for children, it can prove to be a mountain! Before I attempt to write a few lines, my thoughts go out especially to parents and teachers …what an important task and responsibility lies upon your shoulders. I sincerely hope that this question still receives attention in all our homes and schools and that the answer given is biblical. The reason I write it this way is out of fear that when simple answers must be given, it is sometimes done at the expense of the whole truth. Proof of this concern is the enormous supply of written material available in today’s world that seeks to explain Bible history and doctrine in such a way that foundational truths are actually missing. Bible characters are pictured and painted in such a way— I say it hesitantly—as you find them in newspaper comics. May I remind parents and others responsible for teaching our children to use restraint and prudence in how we acquaint our children with biblical history and doctrines. Just because the kingdom of heaven must be received as a child, the matter itself is not childish.

It fills me with great concern today that even telling children they need a new heart is sometimes viewed as old-fashioned or incomplete. Some children are plainly told they must believe in Jesus. Others go even farther and view their children as children of the Lord because, they say, Jesus loves little children. Let us not underestimate the influence of spiritual songs which quickly and readily and without due discernment are taken over and taught to little ones. Let us remember that the first liquid poured in an earthen vessel is what stays in that vessel for life. Is it the sincere milk of the Word of God or is it the vinegar of false and questionable doctrines?

Dear children, what is meant by your heart? Each of us has a heart. It is one of the most, if not the most, important organ of one’s body. It is the first organ which lives and beats in a human being and the last organ which dies. A surgeon can amputate a leg and an arm, remove a kidney or the gallbladder, cut out a piece of the stomach, but to remove the heart would immediately lead to death. Look at your heart as a most important treasure where the most important things of your life are kept. We read of Samson that he told Delilah “all his heart”; that means everything! When children step on their parent’s heart, it means they really hurt their dad or mom. When the Lord says, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart…” it means totally. David said in his heart, “I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul.” His fears for death bothered him very deeply.

Children, you see that the heart means more than just that important organ in your body. It has more meaning, a deeper meaning. Spiritually, the heart refers to the place in your life where all your desires, emotions, thoughts, and even your will lives. It is the place where your feelings are formed and your decisions are made. It is the place where all that is of you is bundled; it is your heart. The Bible tells us, though, that this secret place of yours is no longer a good place. Neither is it a safe place. This is because in Paradise we gave our heart not to the Lord but to Satan. This is why the Bible often speaks about the heart of man in a negative way. Look up in your Bible the following texts: Mark 7:21-23, Jeremiah 17:9&10 and Ezekiel 36:25-27. I know these texts may be difficult for you in some ways, but you will notice that they speak about two things: how bad the heart is and that the Lord can change that heart. Will you ask the Lord daily for this? You need it, and the Lord is able and willing to give it. David prays in Psalm 51:10, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me .” Dear children, a new heart is necessary, but I do not tell you only that it is necessary. It is also possible, from God’s side. A new heart, given and worked by God’s Holy Spirit brings forth good things. It is pleasing to the Lord because He works it. His work is always to His honor and glory.

In the Canons of Dort we read that the Lord works a new heart in us but without our aid. Usually this takes place under the use of the means such as the faithful reading and preaching of the Word. This is God’s common way to work and give it. You and I are unable to give ourselves such a heart, but use the means diligently and faithfully. Remember also, where this is worked by the Lord, all the things mentioned earlier about your evil heart will change. You will receive new desires, new thoughts, and even a new will. Then you learn to strive against all that is wrong with that old heart. You will be sad about all the wrong you do and have done. You will ask for forgiveness of your sins and long for more knowledge of that new heart. You will learn to hate what the Lord hates and love what the Lord loves. Ask your parents or teacher to explain article 12 of the Chapters 3 and 4 of the Canons of Dort to you.

Dear parents and teachers, when speaking about a new heart to our children, do it in such a way as John Flavel did when he wrote: “The greatest difficulty in conversion is to win the heart to God, and after conversion to keep it with Him.” We can never speak too evil of our natural heart and never speak too well about God who works His grace in such hearts. What is impossible with man is possible with God. p

Please send your questions to Rev. H. Hofman, 112 Pratt Road, Kalamazoo, MI 49001, or hofman@premieronline.net.

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