Proverbs 4:23 New Living
Translation
“Guard
your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.”
Our heart determines to a large extent how we live. Here Solomon tells
us that in guarding our hearts we must make sure we concentrate on those
desires that will keep us on the right path.
The right path is the path that God has laid before us. While under God’s grace we can, of course, quite
literally do as we please but man’s track record going his own way is not at
all good. The freedom we receive and
quite frankly have always had is to choose what we will believe, what course we
shall take and then live with the consequences. By design, we are supposed
to utilize our freedom to obediently serve the one true and living God. We
are no longer slaves to sin, but slaves to righteousness. We have a whole
new set of standards, to operate under. Instead of thinking of ourselves
first, we are to think of ourselves last. Instead of judging those around
us, we are to dispense mercy and grace in the measure it has been given to
us. This is crazy talk to the unregenerate mind. However, once redeemed, crazy
talk gives way to understanding. There
is a bigger picture at play here; one that cannot be seen unless the door to
the spirit is opened.
We must understand that everything
entering our minds migrates to our hearts and at some point comes out of our
mouths or shows up in our actions. This is why it is so urgent that we
guard our heart. Protect it by feeding it the spiritual nourishment that
comes from God’s word. Be mindful of the Lord day and night. Take the
time to fellowship with one another so you may engage in meaningful
conversation regarding spiritual things.
Seek to please the Lord in all you think, say and do. By guarding
your heart you will ward off temptation and steer clear of the resulting
sin. Do not waste precious time entertaining that which is contemptible
to our Lord. Steer clear of all things that are not from God and you will find
peace. Until next time, walk with the
King and be a blessing!
Resource: The Life Application Study
Bible; Tyndale House Publishing.
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