Guard Your Heart

Proverbs 4:23New Living Translation (NLT)

23 Guard your heart above all else,
    for it determines the course of your life.

What does it mean to "guard your heart"?

When Solomon refers to guarding the heart, he means the inner core of a person - our thoughts, our feelings, our desires, our will, and our choices that make us who we are.  The Bible often tells us that our thoughts often dictate who we become.  The mind of a man reflects who he really is, not simply his actions or words.  That is why God examines the heart of a man, not simply his outward appearance or what he appears to be.

Just as there are numerous disorders and diseases that can affect our physical heart, there are many ailments of the spiritual heart that can impair growth as a believer.  Hardening of our hearts occur when we are presented with God's truth, and we refuse to accept or acknowledge it.

James 1:14-16 tells us, "Each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.  Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full grown, gives birth to death.  Don't be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters."

Sin ALWAYS begins in the mind.  A sinner must first conceive and dwell on the sinful action before he actually carries it out.  The first line of defense, therefore, just be to refuse to even contemplate a wrongful action.  2 Corinthians 10:3-5 tell us to take every thought captive, so that it conforms to the will of God.

Avoiding anger, pride and temptation are also critical elements of guarding the heart.  "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things" (Philippians 4:8).  Dwelling on these things will help us build a guard fence around our hearts.

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for this day and the many blessings you have bestowed upon us.  Please forgive me of my sins.  Thank you for your mercy, love, grace, and forgiveness.  Thank you for my salvation.  I pray that you help me to guard my heart from my sinful nature.  In Jesus precious name I pray, Amen.