The emphasis of Jesus Christ was always on the heart. He taught that human problems can only be successfully solved by addressing the heart. In this concise little book of just over 100 pages, Dr. Hutson goes straight to the core and source of human and social misery and weakness. He also identifies the only place where real and lasting help and solutions are possible. This book will help you cultivate your heart. The medicine offered here could turn around the chaotic society in which we live. This is a book of true biblical counseling.
The 19 chapters are in two sections. Section one is titled The Heart of the Matter and Section two is called The Soil of the Heart. Though each chapter is outlined for easy teaching or preaching, the book is easy to read and full of piercing and practical information that will address the needs of every reader. It abounds with practical and immediately useful information.
The Heart of the Matter defines the heart; not merely the organ, but the center of one’s being. The 12 chapters in this section probe and explore the deepest recesses of one’s soul. In folksy, down-home language, Dr. Hutson talks about your heart and about how its condition and attitude will govern and determine your direction in life both here and hereafter. He talks about Hard Hearts and about those who set themselves to rebel against what is right. He explains how easy it is for bystanders, including parents and governments, to cater to rebels and foster a spirit of rebellion in them. Rebels often find themselves suffering the bitter consequences of their rebellion. Sometimes they sorrow and weep but are not truly repentant. As Dr. Hutson explains, each person must take ultimate responsibility for his own attitudes and choices. God will help those who turn their hearts toward Him; those who refuse can blame only themselves for the bitter consequences that are certain to follow.
The Soil of the Heart identifies 11 specific factors which cause of hard hearts in people. This section also presents five ways to break up and soften a hard heart and it ends with four steps you can take to keep your heart soft and tender.