Discipleship of the Heart

In Luke 17:1-19, Jesus calls his disciples–and us–to have hearts that are growing in four things: vigilance, sincerity, humility, and gratitude. These traits represent a roadmap for cultivating a heart that is truly free.   First, we are called to vigilance, recognizing that temptations to sin are sure to come. We must be alert, stopping sin in its tracks through confession, repentance, and forgiveness.   Secondly, Jesus calls us to sincerity, living with a deep dependence on Him and extending forgiveness to others, just as God, through Christ, has forgiven us.   Thirdly, we are called to humility, serving one another with the understanding that we are all servants of God.   Finally, we are called to gratitude, recognizing that everything we have is a gift from God.   None of this comes naturally. It requires a discipleship of the heart, a conscious choice to follow the way of Jesus and cultivate these traits in our lives. As we follow the way of Jesus and learn this heart of vigilance, sincerity, humility, and gratitude, we experience the freedom and transformation that He longs to work in us.