19 July | Youth
«The heart is deceitful above all things.» Jeremiah 17:9
Once, my family and I were enjoying our vacation on the coast of the state of Paraná, Brazil. While we were having fun in the sea, my youngest son pointed to the popsicle seller and said, “Dad, can I buy a popsicle?” I replied: “Of course! Take the money from the bag.” After a few seconds, he ran back into the water with two popsicles in his hand. My wife, impressed, said: “Look, how nice! He bought a popsicle for himself and another for his brother.” When the youngest got closer, he shouted happily: “Dad, the seller said I could buy two popsicles! Which one should I eat first?” Right away, we started laughing. What appeared to be virtue was nothing more than selfishness.
The Bible states that our hearts are deceitful. No matter our age, ethnicity, or social status, we are all sinners, with our hearts “bent” towards ourselves. Without realizing it, we spend our lives orbiting our ego, whose gravitational field attracts our deepest dreams, thoughts, and aspirations. Even kids, who we usually call “little angels,” are already little sinners, who demand attention for themselves.
When describing the human heart, the prophet Jeremiah used the word “deceitful,” whose root in Hebrew is the same as the proper name “Jacob.” Do you remember this biblical character who was born clinging to his brother Esau’s heel and later deceived his father Isaac in order to receive the birthright blessing? In a sense, we all have a “Little Jacob” inside our chest, which pulls our character down, leading us to selfishness and other sins.
We urgently need to understand that our greatest enemy has a name: “me”! We are proud and liars by nature, and this reality leads us to mask who we are on a daily basis. Contrary to what we think, we are not that good and true. But who are we really? The answer is found when we look at Christ and His law. In it our true identity is revealed, and our masks fall to the ground.
Am I writing to someone who only thinks about themselves? Are you enthusiastic about your own happiness? I suggest you seek Jesus urgently. Only He can straighten egos and transform hearts. If life gives you two popsicles, always remember your brother.