In this world filled with challenges, one of the most dangerous threats we face comes from within: our heart. The heart governs our approach and attitude toward life, and we must guard the new heart that God is striving to give us, replacing the old heart with which we were called. When we find ourselves in a wrong attitude or desiring wrong things, it serves as a reminder to consider which heart motivates us. The author of Hebrews warns against hardening our hearts, addressing a people tempted to return to old ways and drift away from the truth they once embraced. Like a boat slowly drifting from its mooring, their initial zeal and love for what was done for them slipped from priority, allowing the world to take precedence. If we choose not to heed God's Spirit urging us to pray, study, fast, meditate, and obey, putting God first in our lives, our heart will slowly become hardened. God's Word and way of living will lose importance. We must not allow our hearts to become hardened like those who came out of Egypt, who, despite witnessing God's miracles and power, rebelled and fell short of the rest set aside for them. Paul encourages us to exhort one another daily, using the time wisely, for this is the only chance we have in this age. We must not neglect our salvation or let the world take our crown. There is only one thing that can stop us from achieving God's will for us: allowing our heart to become hardened and rejecting the new heart God is working to instill. We must never let our heart become hardened, and we must never let down in our pursuit of the Kingdom of God.

The heart, as depicted in biblical references, often symbolizes human character and personality, embodying the dynamic forces that define individuality. A heart not aligned with God is described as uncircumcised, while a heart filled with hostility and hate is termed a hard heart. In the account of Exodus, Pharaoh's hard heart, strengthened by God, refused to grant freedom to Israel, ultimately leading to Egypt's destruction. This hardening illustrates a resistance to divine will, showcasing the heart's capacity to oppose even against dire consequences. Conversely, the heart holds the potential for transformation. Ezekiel speaks of God replacing hearts of stone with hearts of flesh, signifying a shift from self-serving to God-fearing natures through the reception of His Holy Spirit. God examines the heart, alongside actions, to discern faithfulness, calling for a wholehearted seeking of Him. This transformation and scrutiny underline the heart's pivotal role in spiritual alignment and obedience to divine truth.

Hardness of heart manifests in various ways, reflecting a sinful attitude toward both God and man. It is linked with rebellion, as seen in the Israelites who refused to trust God despite witnessing His miracles. A wicked man hardens his face, remaining bold and unfeeling, unmoved by God's thoughts or the plight of others. Those who harden their hearts fall into calamity, unlike the reverent who find happiness. A hard heart connects to impudence, showing contempt and disregard for others, and stems from pride, as exemplified by Nebuchadnezzar, whose spirit was hardened until God humbled him. Hardening of the heart also relates to the deceitfulness of sin, leading one to stop believing God and His Word. The essence of a hard heart is unbelief, where faith and trust must be anchored in Christ Himself rather than in human elements or organizations. When roots are misplaced in family, friends, or social environments, disillusionment, discouragement, and despair arise, leading to hardness and cynicism. A preoccupation with self—through self-concern, self-reliance, or self-promotion—indicates unhealthy spiritual roots, preventing proper focus on God. Only by being rooted in Jesus Christ can one withstand life's tribulations and bear good fruit, drawing upon the abundant Source rather than relying on human strength. Examples of hardness of heart include choosing one's own will over God's, stubbornly refusing to obey, showing ingratitude by complaining against God, finding fault with His leading, habitually criticizing others, and perpetually seeing only the dark side of life. Such attitudes signal that spiritual roots have stopped growing, diminishing the ability to endure tribulation patiently. In contrast, a pliable heart grows in true belief, essential for a successful harvest, as Jesus defines the work of God as instilling belief. This trust produces deep roots, enabling endurance against the pressures of satan and the world. God provides gifts to ensure a successful harvest, including the weekly Sabbath, which serves as a reminder of His deliverance and ongoing redemption of His firstfruits. This reminder bolsters belief and trust that He knows what He is doing, preventing hardness of heart toward Him and fellow firstfruits. The Sabbath also ties back to creation, affirming His power and genius, and reassures that He is making His people perfect, blameless, and upright. As long as hardness of heart is resisted, He remains faithful to complete the good work begun in His people. Each Sabbath acts as a mile-marker, rejuvenating belief and trust, breaking down heart hardness so His work can continue for a successful harvest.