Are there no exceptions? No, not one. Even those closest to God are described this way. If the best are in this state, what must the worst be like?

Consider, my heart, if you've been part of this universal accusation. Be ready to admit where you've been guilty. The first charge is having no shame, boldly doing wrong without blushing. Before I found God, I could sin without feeling guilty, hear of my wrongs without feeling humbled, and confess my sins without any real inner remorse. For a sinner to attend church and pretend to pray and praise shows the deepest impudence.

Sadly, since my conversion, I’ve doubted God openly, complained in His presence, worshipped carelessly, and sinned without feeling sorry. If my heart weren't so hard, I’d have more holy fear and deeper repentance. Alas, I am part of the impudent house of Israel.

The second charge is hardheartedness, and I can't claim innocence here. I once had only a heart of stone, and though God has given me a new heart, much hardness remains. I'm not moved by Jesus's death as I ought to be. Neither am I truly touched by the lost state of humanity, the evil around us, God's discipline, or my own failures.

I wish my heart would melt when I hear of my Savior’s suffering. I long to be free from this stone-like heart. But thank God, this illness is not beyond healing. Jesus's blood can soften even my heart until it melts like wax before a fire.