The Heart of the Matter

Summary

The article emphasizes the significance of the heart as the motivator of human actions, highlighting the impact of its condition on individual behavior and societal outcomes.

Abstract

The article "The Heart of the Matter" explores the role of the heart in shaping human actions and thoughts. It draws on historical examples of oppression, wars, and atrocities to illustrate the consequences of a diseased heart. The author argues that the heart's condition, whether healthy or diseased, influences the entire body, metaphorically representing the individual and society. The heart's sensitivities, such as selfishness, kindness, distrust, or hatred, motivate corresponding actions. The article also references scriptural passages to support its claims, emphasizing individual responsibility for actions. The author concludes by highlighting the recent Emmett Till Anti-lynching Act as an example of positive change resulting from a shift in societal heart and mind.

Opinions

The heart is seen as the primary motivator of human actions, with its condition influencing the entire individual and society.
Selfishness in the heart leaves no room for concern for others, leading to oppressive actions.
The heart's sensitivities, such as kindness, distrust, or hatred, are reflected in an individual's actions.
The heart engages the mind to analyze situations, with the mind translating this analysis into actions.
The author suggests that historical atrocities, such as lynching, result from insensitive hearts.
The author believes that social justice begins with a pure heart, one that aligns with divine laws.
The heart is considered the gateway to the mind, requiring careful guarding.

Gateway to our minds

We have a tradition that gives us a simple message of guidance. It reminds us that there is a morsel of flesh in our bodies, if it is healthy then the whole body is clean but if it is diseased then the entire body is sick — indeed this is the heart.

If we ponder this message in the context of human history, its validity peeks through the curtain of our lived experiences. The oppression of human potential has plagued us generation after generation.

Centuries of wars, military occupations, oppression of human potential, the invasion of one superpower of its sovereign neighbor, and man’s greedy self-interest have upset the inherent peaceful balance in the Almighty’s Creation.

If the sensitivities of our hearts are motivated by selfishness, then there is no space for concern for the well-being of others. When our hearts have defined a specific objective, our minds begin to develop approaches to achieve that goal.

We find this truth expressed in scripture: “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.” (Proverbs, 23:7.) How could one participate in some of the atrocities that we have historically witnessed if the oppressive individuals or governments were in possession of a clean heart? Do they not understand that each soul is responsible for its actions? Apparently not!

“Do those in whose hearts is a disease, think that God will not bring to light all their hidden hatred? (Qur’an, 47:29).” Our hearts are the motivators of all human actions. Kindness in our hearts motivates us to treat others with kindness. Distrust in our hearts results in distrust of others which is reflected in our actions. Hatred in our hearts leads us to actions that are expressive of those feelings.

Our hearts engage our minds to analyze situations from a unique perspective. Our minds translate this analysis into actions — whether positive or negative. This heart-mind-action interchange defines us as individuals. For example, it is not too difficult to discern the heart of Mother Teresa or that of Adolph Hitler.

Our history is plagued with examples of the results of insensitive hearts. Thousands of African Americans were lynched between 1619 and today. But the heart of our country is changing. After more than 200 failed attempts to ratify corrective action over the past 120 years, a new mind is developing among us. Congress has recently passed and President Biden has signed the Emmett Till Anti-lynching Act into law.

Just as lynching is now a federal hate crime so too will clean hearts engage our minds and stimulate positive, harmonious connections among all people in our multicultural nation.

Each of us is responsible for our actions which are motivated by our thoughts. Our thoughts, in turn, emerge from the sensitivities in our hearts. Social justice for all Americans starts with a pure heart — one that is congruent with the Divine laws of The Almighty.

Our heart is the gateway to our mind. We must guard it with care.