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April 21, 2020 - John Pastor John for a Daily Devotional

April 21, 2020 by Rev. John Hartman

“Walk the Line”

The appeal of Johnny Cash was wide ranging. He was a singer, songwriter, musician, actor, and author. He crossed over into a variety of musical genres including country, rock and roll, blues, folk, and gospel. He is arguably one of the best-selling music artists of all time, having sold more than 90 million records worldwide. Many people loved his music, but even more admired him as a human being. When he died in 2003, there was a tremendous outpouring of love for Johnny Cash, his music, -- and his faith. There is no disputing that he was a man with huge flaws, but whose life had been redeemed by Jesus Christ, and he was not shy in telling the world about it. They made a movie about his life in 2005 that was titled, “Walk the Line” That only seemed appropriate given that his greatest-selling song was, “I Walk The Line,” a song that I believe was about purity of heart.

The song opens with the words, “I keep a close watch on this heart of mine…” Later he sings: I find it very, very easy to be true. I find myself alone when each day is through. Yes, I’ll admit that I’m a fool for you. Because you’re mine, I walk the line.” In other words, everything pales beside this white-hot passion for my beloved. With such love burning in my heart, it’s easy to be true. Friends, the more we love Jesus Christ, the easier it is to be true, pure, spotless and holy. Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” (Matthew 5:8). And then we can look up and say, “Jesus, because you’re mine, I walk the line of obedience and devotion to you.”

I believe Jesus will smile a smile with the sunlight of a million Easter sunrises, and accepting us with all our faults, say, “Close enough.” You see, God does not seek perfection, as if that were even possible for us. Jesus Christ has already supplied our perfection when he shed his blood on the cross in atonement for our sins. What God desires today is a heart of integrity and a faith of authenticity. May God continue to give you a heart for Him that is true, pure, and holy, but also practical and real.