Guard Thy Heart

Posted by Steve on Oct 15, 2009 in Bible Study, Christian Living, Christian Reflections |

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Guard Thy Heart is one article in a series on Biblical Stewardship. What follows is a few thoughts on protecting the integrity of our hearts that is by no means exhaustive but which can set us on the right path to a fuller understanding and appreciation of our responsibilites.

With this article in the series we’ll be dealing with what I believe is one of the most important stewardships God has given us, if not the most important. Solomon, one of the kings of Israel and second wisest man to ever live (second only to Jesus) recognised this importance:

“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” (Pro 4:23)

According to the Bible the heart is the very centre of man’s being, out from which flow the impulses that collectively determine your will, your actions and your character. It is:

the source of your desires and will (Duet 29:19, Ps 37:4, Ps 40:8, Ecc 11:9)
the source of your emotional life (Ps 4:7, Prov 14:10, 15:13, Jer 8:18, Rom 9:2)
the source of your moral life (Gen 6:5, Jer 5:23, Prov 6:18, Matt 15:18-20, Luke 6:45)

The natural state of man’s heart is one of pride, deceit, wickedness, and hardness toward God (Jer 17:9, Eph 4:18) This expresses itself in a life of sin that seperates us from God. Jesus came to bring us back to God and to make this possible He has given a new heart and new desires to those that believe in Him and accept Him as Lord (Ezek 36:26).

We have the responsibility to guard our heart and keep it unpolluted from the world around us. Paul writes in 2 Timothy 2:21,

“Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.”

Aside from allowing us to be used by God for the purposes of His kingdom, a pure heart brings us into a closer, deeper walk with Jesus and allows the Holy Spirit to work in us, on us, and through us more greater effectiveness.

Keeping pure in an impure world and staying unpolluted in an infectious culture is all well and good in theory but it’s the practical where we all fall down. As I guide to get us on the right track, I’ve put together a chart with a list of questions about our thoughts, words, and actions based on Phillipians 4:7-9 which says,

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me–practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”

Because of size restrictions I couldn’t include the chart in this article but if you go here, you can download a copy in pdf format.

I encourage you to grab a copy of the chart and pray through it, asking the Holy Spirit to lead you, guide you, and convict you of sin and where you need to change. Repent of any sin and ask God to strengthen, empower, and equip you to make any necesssary changes and to walk in a way that brings glory to Him.