A Survey of the Heart

Recently I noticed a land surveyor in my neighborhood as I was leaving for work. They are easy to spot in their bright safety vests and yellow hard hats. They set up their tripods and what looks like a camera to survey the land. 

I’ve always wanted to look through the lens of a survey camera to spy what a surveyor sees. While I have yet to do so, I found on a quick internet search that surveying helps to determine boundaries, often including the topography of the land. The survey lenses are actually various devices used for leveling and taking precise measurements of angles and distances. 

Why are surveys needed? Surveys are important in property ownership and management of construction projects to reveal hidden dangers spotted only through a surveyor’s lens. The final product of a building or house will be determined by those initial measurements and without them, the structure and the surrounding property could be faulty or compromised.

God’s Word is much like a surveyor’s lens. Using scripture as a lens can reveal the hidden and the dangerous. Before we make decisions, consulting the Bible for God’s viewpoint, can show us potential pitfalls or opposition we may experience. The Holy Spirit illuminates the lens of God’s Word to help reveal the hidden gems of truth that we cannot see through our broken lenses. Likewise, He uses His Word and shows us the dangers of sin lurking in our hearts, much like a survey instrument exacting measurements from the land. 

Scripture also helps to determine boundaries of right and wrong. Throughout the Old and New Testaments, God describes behaviors and attitudes that please Him. Looking at scripture as a whole will help define limits to actions that may seem less clear. Like God Himself, His Word is eternal and will never change–we can count on these boundary lines to be firm and steadfast. 

Lastly, just as a survey is necessary before any construction project is started, the Bible helps prepare us for the work God has planned in advance for us. The apostle Paul tells us in Ephesians that God created us in Christ Jesus for good works (2:10), and scripture works in tandem with the Holy Spirit to teach, correct, prepare, and equip us for these good works. This foundational work of God’s Word in our lives is needed to transform and become all God created us to be.

Feel free to pray with me:

Lord, may I allow your precious Word to survey the lay of the land in my heart. Penetrate the dark and unknown places to reveal hidden dangers and pitfalls I cannot see. May your Holy Spirit illuminate your Words to help me mine Your truth for precious gems. Teach me. Correct me. Prepare me and equip me, Lord, for all that You have prepared for me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.  

Scripture:

Hebrews 4:12 (ESV)

"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT)

"All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work."

Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."