The thirty-six year cop had a physique that all aspiring body builders envied. Muscle tone and shape of biceps made it obvious that much time had been spent with weights and that arm- wrestling him would be utter folly. For this reason the news came as a shock: he's had a heart attack! And the reaction of many was predictable: "No...it can't be...he's so healthy!"

Another man never missed an assembly. Those in his Bible class said he was one of the best teachers they'd ever heard. His knowledge of God's word was impressive, it was a spiritual feast when he preached, and there was talk of his becoming an elder. But then came the shocking news: "Bill" was divorcing his wife after having had an "affair" and had renounced the faith he'd once taught so ably. And all wondered aloud: "What happened, all of a sudden, to one so strong and faithful?."

Are there lessons in these stories? More than we have time to list. But may I suggest the following...

1-Outward appearances aren't always a clue to what's going on inwardly: "Even so you too outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness" (Matt 23:28). Let's not judge physical health by well-developed biceps or spiritual strength by faithful attendance alone. Both are good but...

2-Our closest attention should be given to the inward: "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside they are full of robbery and self-indulgence.You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the dish, so that the outside of it may become clean also." (Matt 23:25-26). And recall the Lord's statement to Samuel when he was impressed with Eliab, one of David's brothers: "...God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.'" (1 Sam16:7). Just as the heart is a more vital muscle than the bicep, one's spiritual heart is more important that outward form. Thus...

3-We need to watch what we ingest for we truly are what we eat and think: "Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things." (Phil.4:8). Lust, greed, jealousy, etc., will eventually take their toll on one's heart. Because of this....

4-Apostasy doesn't happen "all of a sudden". Inside, where it really matters, "Bill's" apostasy had happened long before it manifested itself outwardly. Heart attacks and apostasy happen to people who've grown sick over a period of time.

"Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life...For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man." (Prov.4:23; Mark 7:21-23)