One of the main problems computer operators face today is the large number of computer viruses, worms, Trojan Horses and many other types of maladies that computer hackers use to control and cause destruction on computers. Because of the huge number of computer hackers, programs that expose and remove viruses have become a multi-million dollar business. These programs are called, “virus scanners.”

In the same way that viruses can cause destruction to computers, so also the lies planted in our hearts bring destruction into our lives. Satan is the ultimate computer hacker; he seeks to plant the viruses of lies into the hard drive of our hearts.

God has given us “virus scanners” to expose the lies that Satan, the world and our flesh have planted in our hearts. When viruses of lies are removed, then true change can occur in our lives. We must seek to change the conclusions in our hearts that do not reflect the truth of God.

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ;” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5).

The English word “speculation” in this verse is from the Greek word logismos, which is literally translated “conclusion.” If a person desires to change his actions, then he first needs to know his programming (dialogismos or logismos). In other words, a person needs to know what is in his heart. Only then can that person make the appropriate internal changes that will result in a lifestyle change. To discover the “virus scanners” the Lord has given, a person needs to look for conclusions (dialogismos) that can dominate his life and thinking at any particular point in time.

For example, I have a good friend who is afraid of horses. The reason he is afraid of horses is because when he was a little boy, a horse ran away while he was seated on it. Later, as a grown man, he went fishing in a pond that was located within a horse pasture. A horse starting grazing near the pond. This man became so preoccupied with thoughts of the horse that he could not enjoy fishing. He eventually left because of the dominating thoughts and his fear of the horse.

The logismos or conclusion in his heart about horses, that horses are dangerous, caused him to experience a bondage of fear.

So, how do you know what are the conclusions of your heart?  In upcoming posts we’re going to seek in detail to discover the scriptural guidelines that God has given believers, so we can know and understand the programming of the individual compartments of their hearts.

But, for now we can make a list of ways to discover the conclusions in our heart:

1. Our Words Will Reveal the Conclusions of the Heart

“The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart” (Luke 6:45).

2. Our Treasures Will Reveal the Conclusions of the Heart

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Luke 12:34).

3. The Cross Will Reveal the Conclusions of the Heart

“And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, ‘Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed, and a sword will pierce even your own soul—to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed’” (Luke 2:34-35).

4. The Word of God Will Reveal the Conclusions of the Heart

“For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

5. The Gifts of the Holy Spirit Will Reveal the Conclusions of the Heart

“But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an ungifted man enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all; the secrets of his heart are disclosed; and so he will fall on his face and worship God, declaring that God is certainly among you” (1 Corinthians 14:24-25).

6. “Buttons” Reveal the Conclusions of the Heart

“The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will” (2 Timothy 2:24-26).

7. The Conscience Reveals the Conclusions of the Heart

“…[I]n that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them…” (Romans 2:15).

To learn more about your heart see the book Freedom – An Introduction of Ministry to the Heart, of which this post is an excerpt and which is available for free download in our resources section.

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