Toward an Upright Heart

The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.

1 Timothy 1 v. 5

Stories are well known that offer various degrees of those holding an honorable heart. Most of the preachers/pastors I study have shown their commitment to this noble trait by going deeper into scripture and finding the ultimate doctrinal truth within them. No signs of shortcuts or reading themselves into the Bible, I have ever found! Instead, as I shared with my aunt on a phone call a few days ago—these individuals had no apprehension while telling their audiences how submersed in sin they all were. Yes, these teachers truly understood how terrible the human hearts of their spectators were! As their hearts were! And as our hearts are today!

Yes, the brilliance of the authors I reflect on often, was that they understood how–in their preaching and writings–to create common and effective collaborations, joining spoken word and those presented on paper. On these carefully created pieces of writing tools, the precisely beautiful words of orators of this time continue to be transmitted into our souls. But are they?

The idea of twisting God’s Word to fit daily narratives is extremely widespread in these modern times. If I’m not exceptionally careful, I’ve found that I can sometimes be guilty of this common behavior. But in my immediate recognition, I pull back and go deeper to study and learn exactly what the verse I am reading means. Comparing this process with what the work of the Holy Spirit should look like in our lives, Augustine of Hippo wrote that this “sin arises when man has too much confidence in himself and makes himself the chief end of living.”

From careful observations and accidentally listening to those who continue to use a method of interpretation known as narcigesis, I’m quite aware that this approach is not always intentional. However, it can become harmful, especially to new believers of this, our Christian faith.

Narcigesis is a hybrid word in the English language. Its general meaning is:

Combining the words narcissism and eisegesis. Narcissism is “to have an unreasonably high sense of one’s importance”  and eisegesis is “to read meaning into Biblical text” (Eisegesis is the opposite of exegesis, which from a hermeneutical perspective, means “to lead out or express precise interpretation of Biblical text.” So, in essence, narcigesis is “the explanation of the Bible in a way that shows unnecessary interest in oneself and endeavors to make one’s ideas and thoughts of utmost importance.”

Narcigetics, often build upon their ideas, views, judgments, approaches, events, and influences, to guide their interpretation of Biblical text. 

In my attempt and throughout the process of having discussions based on this subject matter, the character distinction I hold often becomes a bit delicate, because I don’t know how my words of Christian charity will be construed. However, I often press on, knowing that I have God’s Word and its original meaning to lean on and to glean from.

In His Word, I am edified! And I go deeper when one response toward me is, “Judge not, lest ye be judged” (Matthew 7 v.1)—a verse often taken out of context. There are also moments I listen to those reciting verses 2-6 of Matthew 7, too. However, my consistent studies of the Church Fathers often provide me with great replies when Matthew 7 v. 1 is thrown at my feet. Concerning this verse, as a general overview, below are four understandings of Augustine of Hippo and John Chrysostom.

Edited by Oden and Simonetti (2001).

1. “Some sins rush to judgment in consciousness, while others remain hidden until the last day. We do well not to pass judgment on hidden things until the Lord comes, who will bring to light the hidden things of the darkness” (Augustine).
2. “Jesus does not thereby forbid judging altogether but commands that one first take the plank out of one’s eyes and then one may then set right the issues relating to others” (Chrysostom).
3. “One had best not pretend to counsel another when one has the same fault unexamined” (Augustine).
4. “Be careful not to offer precious things to those who, like hungry dogs, may be prone to rush and tear them apart. It is better that one make a search for what is concealed than assault or despise what is revealed, or like swine, trample upon the truth” (Augustine).

Psalm 119 vv. 1-2 says this:

“Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord! Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart.”

Striving toward an upright heart, simply means, we must always seek to know God as He intended, and we must always praise Him for His goodness. In addition, we must never neglect His words and make every effort to understand their sincere indications. Furthermore, we must always be faithful. Psalm 119 v. 32 helps to tighten our faith through our steadfast hearts, as we maneuver the ebbs and flows of life. Finally, we must never allow others to degrade us based on our Christian beliefs and our respectable understanding. Remember and repeat “May my heart be blameless in your statutes that I may not be put to shame” (Psalm 119 v. 80).

The sweetness of God’s Word is proper food to the heart. God’s words are comforting, which allow those who believe these very words, to soften the interior of their lives. When our focus is on moving toward having an upright heart, affirmation from other sources is not ever necessary. Let’s allow the supreme teachings of Jesus and the indwelling care of the Holy Spirit, to steer our hearts back to God our merciful Father.

Growing together, inside, and out!

Charlotte

Sources:

Augustine of Hippo (412; 2014). On the Spirit and the letter. Beloved Publishing (pg. 9)

Oden, T.C. & Simonetti, M. (2001). Ancient Commentary on Scripture-Matthew 1a. Intervarsity Press

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved-