Proverbs 4:23: Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.
Many people say that the brain determines one’s life, but the Bible says that our heart determines our brain. So, the heart plays a very important role in our lives because it affects our emotions, thoughts, reasoning, and desires.
The Word of God reminds us to guard our hearts. Why? Because the condition of our hearts determines what comes out of our lives: whether it’s goodness, kindness, forgiveness, tenderness, blessings, or something else. Also, the condition of our hearts determines the outcome of our lives – on earth and eternity.
When one’s heart consisting of thoughts, feelings, and desires are handled by the love of God, then that individual will be filled with goodness and love. His/her words and actions will be a blessing to others.
As children of God, we have to guard our hearts against viruses that can destroy it, such as fornication, theft, murder, vanity, wickedness, lust, envy, and blasphemy. All these evil things arise from within and defile someone. Mark 7:20-23 says, “What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile a man.”
To avoid the viruses above, we have to be filled with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is going to guide our lives and help us guard our hearts. John 14:16 says, “And I will pray for the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever.” The Holy Spirit is going to give us the power to stay holy and pure.
Other than our lives being filled with the Holy Spirit, our hearts have to also be guarded with the Word of God. The Word of God we read and meditate on will be our guide as we face trials, tribulations, and problems. Our hearts will be able to remain strong and firm and we’ll be able to make the right decisions so we can live in victory. Psalms 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
Let’s always be reminded that we are new creations in Christ. We have to get rid of all of our old sins and bad habits. All have been changed with a new heart, character, and life that have been renewed by the blood of Jesus. God bless you.
Source: hs/ Publishing Team, IBC Church