Guard Your Heart
The heart of every bank is its vault. Locked metal cubbies line the walls, but can only be accessed with the owner’s identification and a closely guarded key. It makes you wonder, “What could possibly be in there?” Something of value, to be sure. Of course, not everything that is valuable will fit inside a safe deposit box.
Proverbs 4:23 says the most precious thing you have is your heart. It commands us to
“Guard [it] above all else, for it determines the course of your life.”
Proverbs 4:23
Lisa TerKeurst says it this way, “We do what we do and we feel how we feel because we think what we think.”
Security Measures
Here is something to consider: How many people would use a bank that didn’t have strict security? But with cameras, locking doors, keys, passcodes, guards, and more, we are confident that these places are capable of protecting some of our most valuable assets.
So guarding your heart is a pretty big responsibility. And if it is the greatest treasure you have, what measures are you taking to keep it safe? Are you guarding it with God’s truth, or does everyone get a voice in your decisions? Are you aware of the lies and temptations that try to sneak in? Is there a mature Christian in your life who will help you keep watch and alert you to any potential problems? Does the security look more like Fort Knox or a bell ringer’s bucket?
Not Alone
Fortunately, God doesn’t leave us to watch over our hearts alone. The Bible says,
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with My victorious right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10
I hope this encourages you to invite your Heavenly Father into this mission. He will provide friends to encourage you and the Holy Spirit to guide you, but it is your responsibility to choose either the things that will push you toward God or the things that will pull you away from Him. So ask Him to help you keep your heart secure; He is eager to see you succeed.
To apply this lesson to your own life, ask yourself these questions:
What is one of your most valuable possessions? Where do you keep it? How do you handle it? Are other people allowed to use it? Why?
Read also: where is your focus on
