Spiritual Heart Tests

 

The Lord Looketh on the Heart

By Elder Ronald M. Barcellos

Of the Seventy

...it is not just about what we do—our words and actions—but also why we do what Jesus Christ has asked us to do—our desires and motives. He said, “For I, the Lord, will judge all men according to their works, according to the desire of their hearts.” Our Heavenly Father desires more than mechanical acts of obedience and service from His children. He wants us to do those things with real intent because we love Him with all our hearts. He wants us to desire to become like Him....

Assessing Your Heart with Spiritual Tests

First, Our Focus, Priorities, and Motives

A treasure is something precious to us, something to which we dedicate effort and attention. Where we choose to spend our time and focus our attention, as well as what motivates us to do what we do, says a lot about our hearts. The Savior warned that while many are called by Him, few are chosen “because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and [they] aspire to the honors of men.” Do I make the Savior a priority in my life? Is my eye single to His glory in all that I do?...

Second, Our Willingness to Obey God’s Commandments

While the Savior does not expect perfection in keeping His commandments, He does ask that we desire and strive to keep them with all our hearts.

Third, Our Diligence in Studying the Scriptures and Seeking Revelation

Am I making a sincere effort to study the scriptures daily and to apply my heart to understand them through prayer?

Fourth, Our Thoughts and Words

The quality of our thoughts and words is a good indicator of the purity of our hearts. Am I fostering too many negative thoughts about others’ actions or motives, or even about myself? Am I too quick to judge and condemn others? Do I seek to find excuses or justification for my mistakes? And what about my words? Do they lift and inspire those around me? Or do they often create conflict and resentment?...

Improving Your Heart’s Spiritual Health

First, Strengthen Your Relationship with Christ

As we dedicate time daily to come closer to Christ, our hearts are changed. Daily study of the scriptures, accompanied by sincere prayer and regular fasting, will increase your love for the Savior and strengthen your faith and desire to repent and humbly yield your heart to God.

Second, Align Your Will with His

As we strive daily to keep His commandments, sincerely repent from our sins, and persevere in taking His name upon us and aligning our will with His will, we can be blessed with the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost.

Last, Serve God and Others with All Your Heart

When we choose to do each thing the Lord has asked us to do—such as keeping the commandments, partaking of the sacrament, worshipping in the temple, and serving others—with a sincere heart and with real intent, each act of service and worship becomes a powerful spiritual experience that strengthens our faith and testimony and fills our hearts with joy and love for God and our fellow man....

Brothers and sisters, I invite you to give your whole heart to the Savior today. Let each act of worship and service be sincere and intentional. Set aside the distractions of the world and strive to have meaningful time for the Lord every day of your lives. Repent and return to Him with all your heart, and He will forgive you and encircle you in the arms of His love. Seek not the things of this world, but choose to have your eye single to His glory and seek the things of a better one. He knows your thoughts and the desires of your heart, and as you come unto Him, He will bless you with strength, confidence, peace, and joy in this life and a place in His celestial kingdom for all eternity.