Freedom Through A Fresh Circumcision Of The Heart

Circumcision of the heart is the habitual disposition of our soul which is termed holiness; and which directly implies, that we are cleansed from sin, from all filthiness both of flesh and spirit; and by consequence, endued with those virtues which were also in Christ Jesus; being so renewed in the spirit of our mind, as to be perfect as our Father in heaven is perfect.

The Word says in Deut. 10:16, “Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be stiff-necked no longer.”  As I understand this, it is to basically cut away all impurity and filth of the heart, mind, soul and life.  Why is this important?  I know from my personal experience anything I do not “cut off” continues to grow and prosper on its own.  The more I feed it, the more it grows and ultimately consumes my thoughts, beliefs and behavior.

When severing the unhealthy thoughts, behaviors or beliefs from our hearts, we are basically taking what’s ill and cauterizing it from our heart.  In order to allow that impurity portion to die, we have to disconnect the life giving flow that’s feeding it.  Cutting off involves severing the impurity and allowing that severed piece of one’s heart to die.  Needless to say, this is a process, a long process.  And sometimes a very painful process as you can imagine, anything that involves cutting will involve some pain.  However, the pain is well worth it.  It is very important that our severing from the old ways be as complete and continuous as possible.

To obtain personal freedom and wholeness, we must be delivered from every wrong attitude, old behavior, generational curse, unforgiveness, blame, shame, etc., etc .  And in order for this to happen, we must be 100% honest with ourselves.   Once we have cut these things off—to sustain our freedom, we must read God’s word, have a steady prayer and worship life and stay accountable to people who will tell us the truth.  These disciplines enlarge our hearts and transform our minds.  They help us walk in the truth of God’s will for our life; and advance the process of freedom and holiness.

If we allow the Spiritual Circumcision of the Heart to change us, we become more internally motivated as our hearts are changed—so that instead of relying on our minds to memorize rules—there is a gradual movement from mental rules and disciplines to an obedience rooted in the heart’s judgments and convictions.

This circumcision ushers in God’s wholeness and causes us to mature in the Lord.  Christian maturity is living out what God says we are in His Son. Growing-up into the person God wants us to be.  We must be continually changed in order to fulfill our purpose, and changing our hearts by a spiritual circumcision provides that.  Duet. 30:6 says, “And the Lord your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live.”

Finally, I know how easy it is to turn back to the impure way of thinking, believing and behaving if we haven’t completely circumcised it from our hearts.  If our hearts haven't changed, neither have we.  It’s what Paul teaches us in the Bible and what still speaks today.

Prayer Declaration: 

Lord, please deliver me from all impure thinking, believing and behaving. I desire to be free from anything that does not please You, that I may fulfill the purpose You have for me and be an example to those around me.  Keep me from turning back to those things I have severed from my heart and give me the resurrection power to maintain my wholeness and holiness in You. 

In Jesus name,
Amen

Rev Daina House

5/6/14