“A callus is an area of skin on the body that has become hard due to constant pressure or rubbing. The callus is formed over time as the skin begins to toughen up to handle the repeated irritation. Because calluses are toughened skin, they have no feeling and do not hurt” (ehow.com). It is interesting that some people are embarrassed of their calluses, while others are indifferent to them if not even proud of them.

The writer of Hebrews pleads with his readers not to be like the Israelites in the wilderness, to not “harden their hearts” (3:8). The word translated “do not harden” is from a compound Greek word, a medical or technical term, meaning to “harden, become thick” (Friberg, Analytical Lexicon of the Greek N.T., 351). In its figurative use, the word means to “act stubbornly, refuse to change one’s attitude” (as in Heb. 3:8) or “be or become stubborn, refuse to yield” (as in Heb. 3:13) (ibid.). It is possible, then, to become spiritually callused. The Hebrews writer says that sin is the culprit that causes spiritual calluses. Unlike calluses on the hands and feet, spiritual calluses on the heart are fatal! What can be done to treat and prevent a callused heart?

Protection. Gloves and proper foot wear can prevent blisters and calluses from forming on the body. Likewise, God has given us protection to prevent spiritual calluses from forming within us. The whole armor of God, mentioned in Ephesians 6, equips us with protection for the mind, the heart, and the soul. We must keep our hearts soft to the gospel, the will of God, our spiritual obligations, and the like.

Treatment. Creams, moisturizers, ointments, and such are often applied once a callus has formed. Sometimes a pumice stone may be used. In cases of severe and continuously painful calluses, one needs to see a physician. Just so, a callused heart must be treated by the Great Physician. He cannot help if we do not go to Him. He has the balm that can soften and transform our hearts, but we must go to Him for it.

Change Of Practice. If one’s goal is to be rid of calluses, one must stop doing what brings on the calluses in the first place. We cannot hope for the callus to disappear if we intend to keep doing what formed it. Certainly, this is true in the spiritual sense. Until one is through serving sin, the callusing process will persist. If anything, it will only get worse. It certainly will not get better. If one’s heart is hardened to stay away from the assemblies, the only hope is to begin assembling with the saints again. If one’s heart is hardened in being in a sinful relationship, the way to overcome that is to leave. Whatever sin hardens the heart, overcoming requires changing the practice.

Time. Calluses do not magically disappear the instant one treats them or changes the practice. It takes time, which implies patience and perseverance. That is certainly true with spiritually calluses! While the adage, “time heals all wounds,” is not always right, time is a necessary part of becoming spiritual whole. It takes time to form the right spiritual habits and to produce fruits of repentance.
Spiritual calluses are more than unattractive; they are a sign of grave danger. They are a warning sign of something deeper that has gone wrong. May we do whatever it takes to prevent them and may we have the humility to do what we need to do to treat them if they are already there!

Neal Pollard