I left the soft-hand life behind last year. On deadlift days, chalk mixes with sweat filling the ridges of my hardened callouses. Pulling 280lbs off the floor requires hands that can handle the pressure. Hands harden in response to training. Callouses help protect our hands from the barbell while allowing us to form a better grip on it. We need calluses to lift heavy. Calloused hands are a badge of honor for a powerlifter. However, a calloused heart doesn’t have the same stature. May we have calloused hands, not calloused hearts.
“For the hearts of these people have grown callous, their ears are hard of hearing, and they have shut their eyes; otherwise, they might see with their eyes and hear with their ears, understand with their heart, and be converted, and I would heal them.”
Acts 28:27 HCSB
How to Remove Callouses
To remove a callus, the Mayo Clinic recommends soaking it first in warm soapy water to soften the skin. After the skin has softened, the next step is removing a layer of callus with a pumice stone, and the final step would be an oil-based lotion to moisturize the affected skin. Notice the three elements needed—water, stone, and oil. Perhaps the answer for a calloused heart is to be soaked in Living Water, sanded by the Living Stone, and sealed with the Oil of the Holy Spirit. In practical terms, this would mean;
- Immersion in the Word of God, Living Water, flows from scripture.
- Allow Christ to remove the rough edges one layer at a time.
- Trust the Holy Spirit and pray for His protection over your heart.
Calloused Hands, Not Calloused Hearts
We can open our hearts and minds to God and allow Him to renew and refresh us when we feel hardened by the world’s roughness. He can replace rock-hard hearts with ones that are soft and warm. When we realize that callouses are forming, may we look to Him for the healing treatment that only He can provide.
Let’s Reflect:
Is there an area of your heart that is forming a callus? Journal, pray, and commit to the healing process that only He can provide.
Let’s Pray:
Living Water, soften us. Precious Living Stone, sand down our rough edges. Give us hearts like Yours. Holy Spirit, seal us with Your oil. May it protect us from the harshness of this world. God, we look to You for healing. We look to You for renewal and restoration. In Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.