Distance

 Recently I heard a friend's testimony and she referred to the '16 inches'. Explaining further she said it can be the most difficult distance there is. It's not just a distance between head and heart - it's a lifestyle. Further intrigued I came across this:

   "The distance between the head and the heart, in terms of physical location in the body, is roughly 18 inches, according to some sources. However, when referring to the distance between the mind and the emotions, it is often described as the longest journey a person can take, emphasizing the difficulty of translating intellectual understanding into heartfelt action."

I have to credit the unknown Google source for this statement. And yet.... there can be a long journey between head and heart. Some of us are mind based. We use the mind as our filter. Others are emotion driven and it's their feelings that determine their filter. I have a feeling that it is a combination of both head and heart for most people. Do you know which of the 3 defines you?

Quoting Google again:

   "In some spiritual contexts, the 18 inches can be interpreted as the difference between intellectual belief and genuine faith. It suggests that true transformation and connection with a higher power requires more than just mental assent; it requires a heart-felt commitment, according to some sources."

In case there's any doubt... the 'higher power' is God. So how does scripture say about these two forces within us? Does scripture suggest a preference? How did Jesus respond to this 'tug'? When Jesus was with His disciples Peter asked Him about the explanation of one of His parables that might give us His view:

   "But whatever [word] comes out of the mouth comes from the heart, and this is what defiles and dishonors the man. For out of the heart come evil thoughts and plans, murders, adulteries, sexual immoralities, thefts, false testimonies, slanders (verbal abuse, irreverent speech, blaspheming). These are the things which defile and dishonor the man;” [Matthew 15:18-20a]

   "... For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart. The good man, from his [inner] good treasure, brings out good things; and the evil man, from his [inner] evil treasure, brings out evil things." [Matthew 12:34b-35]

I think that's why we hear the plea in Psalm 51:10

   "Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a right and steadfast spirit within me."

We do know but do we? Do we realize what happened when we were born again? Not just the wonderful gifts that the Lord planned for those who accepted Him but us - who we are, who we can become... what we can do. What is crucial for us to realize is that for some of us we need to close the 18 inches gap between head and heart. But also, we don't do this alone - the Lord is always available to assist us. Now look at John and what we receive in this process:

   "...He who believes in Me [who adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Me], as the Scripture has said, ‘From his innermost being will flow continually rivers of living water." [John 7:38]

The distance shortened we become carriers of living waters for others in order to give them a cup of cold water.