Researchers of human behavior have discovered that it's all about the heart. When faced with a choice between external evidence and an internal desire, feeling, or belief, the heart usually wins out.

Jesus implied that you can discover where someone's heart is by noticing what they treasure. In other words, what we value in practical ways and actions is a good indicator of the condition of our heart.

So what makes the heart? "She has a real heart for people," or "He has a real heart for his community" are phrases we use to describe the heart of the person behind the behavior. "So how does one get a heart like that?" you might ask. Most are unaware of the process. They will probably reply, "I don't know. It's just the way I am."

Their secret is found in God's promise: "A new heart will I give you." Those who are willing can get a heart transplant. They trade in a self-serving heart for a heart like God's. "I will give you my spirit, and a heart with a single purpose. I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of tenderness" (Ezekiel 11:19).

Wow! What a close partnership! What and whom we treasure will be what and whom God treasures.

Gary Burns is the Lake Union Conference communication director.