“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life” (Proverbs 4:23).
When I was 23 years old, a physician discovered a defect in my heart. Besides taking daily medications, I have certain limitations: watch my intake of caffeine, reduce stress (Yeah, right), and limit physical activities. Although my condition is not fatal in and of itself, it affects the way I conduct my daily life.
In the same way, God cautions us to guard our hearts above all else. He places great importance on our hearts (the Hebrew word used here means inner man, thought life, affections, motivations, and will) because our hearts affect every area of our daily lives; the way we see ourselves (self-image, self-worth), how we interact with others (love vs hate, compassion vs indifference), and the choices we make.
Guarding our hearts doesn’t mean we withdraw from the world and embrace an ascetic lifestyle. It means we shield it from nefarious influences. We don’t allow toxic elements to pollute it. Because our hearts are under constant attack, we take precautions to shield it from harmful persuasions.
Guarding our hearts doesn’t preclude compassion or benevolence. It certainly doesn’t suggest we erect barriers or cut people out of our lives. Rather, God urges us to establish personal boundaries, filter what society throws our way, and weed out unhealthy thoughts or habits. We banish mental debris (worry, fear, unforgiveness) in order to make room God’s promises.
If we take a close look at the preceding verses, we are reminded time and again to seek understanding and embrace wisdom. When we make choices that align with God’s Word, when we step into His promises and follow His leading rather than the world’s, we are effectively guarding our hearts. Every time we lay hold of God’s perspective rather than the world’s, we are guarding our hearts. Whenever we appropriate godly counsel rather than letting it go in one ear and out the other, we guard our hearts.
As we begin this new year, take time to evaluate your priorities. Take a good, hard look at your circle of influence. Weigh your habits. Consider what you read and watch on TV. Assess the amount of time you spend in God’s Word versus other occupations. Is your prayer life a constant ‘open line’ between you and God or something reserved for mealtime blessings or emergencies? How are you actively guarding your heart? It will inevitably affect your day, your year, perhaps even the rest of your life.