Life reminds me that it is only in time that one knows another’s heart. One can be led into a belief by behaviors, however, in the fullness of time, the truth within will show itself. Recent conversations have taken me back to two extremes.
In one case I thought I had met a true believer. His actions said to those around him that he was a discipline and champion of our strategy. Within a short time, there were niggling warning flags. I vividly remember my reactions and the inner conversations.
“How could a believer do that? I know he believes, so I must be mistaken.”
“Why would anyone presume to take that action? Does he understand our strategy?”
“Is there a missing piece that he does not get? Is this a heart or head problem?”
In the end, I was convinced it was a heart problem. He understood, however, he did not believe.
The other extreme was the believer who openly said he was not sure. He was willing to experiment. He was committed to candor and conversation. With time he was a great model of what we were committed to. He honesty improved our potential for success. His willingness to confront the uncertainties triggered more dialogue and as a result, strengthened our understanding.
The process reminds me that truth filled action requires a connection with heart and mind. When either goes missing, disconnects occur. A writer’s observation reflects the reality we live in; “If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere.” (1 Corinthians 13.3) The question we struggle with is rarely about our 100% buy-in. Life suggests that it is in learning and growing with our hearts and minds. When we do this, depth emerges. Others know the truth in our lives because they experience it when we touch their lives.
Depth comes with time, action, and experience. The first step can happen in any moment, even the one right now. We have the key.
