One of the more dangerous ailments that we can develop physically is anything related to the heart.  The heart, of course, is one of our major organs and we should do all we can to take care of it (eat right, exercise, etc.).

Even more critical than our physical heart is our biblical heart (the mind). While the physical heart can determine the length of our days here on earth, our biblical heart will determine where we spend eternity.  Thus, we should do all that we can to keep our hearts pure.

Matthew 5:8 (ESV)
⁸  “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Spiritually speaking, there are a lot of different kinds of heart disease.  This week let’s look at some serious heart problems we should avoid.  We will begin by considering the problem of ingratitude.

God despises the unthankful heart (Romans 1:21).  Through His Word, He demands that we demonstrate proper appreciation for all that He has done for us.

Colossians 3:15 (ESV)
¹⁵  And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

We have more to be thankful for than I could mention in this short blog.  The Psalmist once pointed out that we should be thankful for the mere fact that God is good.  

Psalm 118:1 (ESV)
¹  Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!

Are you thankful to God for all that He has done for you (and continues to do), and if so, do you tell Him that you are?  The problem with this disease of the heart is that, like having a physical heart condition, it leads to other problems that can be critical as well.

Having a heart of ingratitude leads to discontentment, and discontentment leads to the dangerous pursuit of earthly riches.

1 Timothy 6:9 (ESV)
⁹  But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.

Can you see where ingratitude will lead you?  Ultimately it will send you in a direction away from God.  You can avoid this malady by making a practice of counting your many blessings.  Be mindful not only of all that God has done for you in the physical realm, but think about all the spiritual blessings you have in Christ, including the salvation of your soul, and be content.

Romans 6:17 (ESV)
¹⁷  But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed,

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.