A Reflection On Guarding My Heart

When I need to treasure what God has placed in my heart

We typically think of guarding our heart in terms of keeping things out. Corruption, false ideas, temptations—all are to be held at arm’s length. But there’s another side to this vigilance. We are to keep things in—things like the spirit of Jesus, the humility and gentleness, the servanthood and sacrifice, the worship and thankfulness.

While most religions tell us to avoid the bad, God tells us to embrace Him. So guard the way out. Stand at the inside of the gate, and be careful about what may be leaving. Once in a while, we get a life-altering glimpse of true worship. By all means, keep it in! From time to time, we’ll see a picture of true servanthood. Don’t let that picture go! Occasionally, we are touched by a spirit of sacrifice, moved by a ministry, or convinced by a powerful word from the Lord. Hold on to these things! Treasuring the wellspring that God has birthed in your heart will leave little room for those corruptions you once obsessed over. And the wellspring is a much more pleasant preoccupation.

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

Proverbs 4:23