When nations conduct ‘hearts and minds’ operations with, or within, a population is not the aim to influence so as to bring about a change in attitude, achieve a more positive reputation in accordance with the donor’s philosophy and objectives, and at the same time show that there are certain benefits to be had along the way?
Of course, there is nothing new under the sun … God invented ‘hearts and minds’!
By the transformation of the heart and mind (or inner life) of the individual God brings about a ‘knowing and being known’. Not only do we ‘know’ God, but we also grow in understanding of what it is like to be ‘known by God’, and our true, final forgiveness.
This happens increasingly as we allow God access to our heart and mind by faith and perseverance in order to bring about this transformation.
How much of our heart and mind do we actually protect from God and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit rather than welcome His ministrations? Why? He already knows us better than we know ourselves.
Rev. 3:20 “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”
Psalm 139:1-4
O Lord, you have searched me and known me!
2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from afar.
3 You search out my path and my lying down
and are acquainted with all my ways.
4 Even before a word is on my tongue,
behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.
vv.23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts![c]
24 And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting!
Psalm 95:7-8
Today, if you hear his voice,
8 do not harden your hearts, as at Meribah,
as on the day at Massah in the wilderness,…
Ephesians 18-29
18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,
