“No way. SpongeBob is a rectangle. See, he has two longer sides and two shorter sides.”

“No, he’s not a rectangle. He’s three-dimensional. SpongeBob is a rectangular prism.”

These two third grade boys went back and forth during center time. I stood a few feet away listening to them justify their responses using words like vertices, right angles, and faces. My teacher heart was incredibly proud hearing this kind of argument.

Why was I so proud? When I taught these third graders about two-dimensional and three-dimensional shapes, I intended to expose them to these concepts. They needed to hear certain words and understand shapes at a basic level so when they moved to fourth grade the foundation was solid to build upon. These two boys were not only recipients of the exposure to the concept of shapes, but the knowledge was obviously imprinted in their minds, becoming a constant of truth, on which they were able to stand.

I think about the deep training the Jewish leaders went through in Old Testament times. At a young age they were not only exposed to the teaching of the law, but required to memorize and recall entire chapters and books of scripture. The writings of the Old Testament prophets were imprinted on the minds of these young men as they were required to meditate on and repeat the scriptures at various times of the day.

Having deep truths imprinted on our minds is one thing, but even better is when those truths are imprinted on our hearts. I’ve heard it said that the biggest bridge to gap is the 18 inches from our head to our heart. We can firmly believe a truth in our heads, but for some reason our hearts still aren’t convinced.

Like those third graders arguing with each other, we, too, argue, but not always with each other.

“No way. You can’t use me God. I’ve messed up too much.”

“No child, you haven’t. I died for that mess so you didn’t have to pay for it.”

“But, I’ll never be good enough. Pretty enough. Talented enough. I am not the right one for the job.”

“Oh dear one, you’re chosen, more valuable than any treasure. You’re my beloved. I’ve redeemed your life. Let me show you how to rest in my freedom and grace.”

And the argument goes on and on. Unless we have hidden God’s truth in our heart, a constant on which to stand, we won’t be able to believe the truth that God whispers back to our broken hearts.

I know I’m not the only one who has this hidden argument. In my head I know the truth, but for some reason that truth isn’t always imprinted on my heart.

If you have Jesus in your life, you are not disqualified. He can redeem what the enemy tried to destroy you with. Imprint that reality on your broken heart and allow Him to have you, all of you—even the big, googly-eyed monster hiding in your closet. Yes, he can even use that.

As the words of Deuteronomy 11:18a (HSCB) say, “Imprint these words of mine on your hearts and minds.”

Are you stuck? Do you believe you are disqualified? Don’t stay stuck there. God has so much more for you than you ever imagined. Imprint HIS truths on your heart.

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