Heart

Heart

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.

Proverbs 4:23, NIV

What is a wellspring? It is the source of a stream or a spring, the point where something springs into being, or the place where things are created. What a fitting picture of our hearts, where thoughts, attitudes, and actions are initiated. The verse above begins with a weighty warning. More than anything else, we must guard our hearts. Not coddle, pamper, or indulge—but guard. When I guard something, I protect it, watch over it, or take necessary precautions to keep it safe.

Our hearts determine our true character. Are we pursuing purity or evil? Are we headed toward maturity or rebellion? The Bible teaches us that the most important thing we can do is to love God with our whole hearts—which are undivided and fixed on Jesus. Then we must guard them. Notice the common thread in these verses:

Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God. (Hebrews 3:12)

Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, you hypocrites. (James 4:8)

Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. (Philippians 4:8)

We guard our hearts by running to God and running away from sin. Then we have a wellspring full of good things!

Father,

May we take the warning of your Word seriously. You are gracious to fill and cleanse our hearts when we come to you, but we must make choices to run from sin. Thank you for your Holy Spirit, who helps us. Amen.