Luke 15-16

"Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." This well-known quotation is attributed to the Englishman John Dalberg Acton, though similar sentiments were expressed long before his time. Whatever its precise provenance, however, I'll tell you who DIDN'T espouse this idea: Jesus. At the conclusion of the parable of the shrewd manager, Jesus tells his disciples and the Pharisees, "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will be dishonest with much" (Luke 16: 10-11).

Though we all go through seasons of temptation and seasons of strength, Jesus understood that our hearts don't change simply because our circumstances do. On the contrary, our hearts are a source of constancy in behavior and mien. "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it ... As water reflects the face, so one's life reflects his heart " (Proverbs 4:23; 27:19).

Unfortunately for us, our hearts are afflicted with depravity so complete that no mortal effort can erase or overcome it. The good news, though, is that Jesus' death and resurrection gives us the opportunity to experience forgiveness of sins and restoration into relationship with God (Romans 3: 23-24; John 3:16). As for the problem of our depraved hearts, the solution is simple: When we put our trust in Jesus, we are supernaturally re-created with a renewed heart (2 Cor 5:17, Galatians 2:20).

"Create in me a pure heart, O God" (Psalm 51:10).