Whether you are a Christian or not, you cannot deny how important the heart is to one’s body. It circulates blood through our body and without proper blood flow, we would surely die. The physical function of a heart is important, but the spiritual function is far more important.

Our heart is a delicate space where our passions, emotions, and troubles all live together. The things and the people that you let into this space can either add to your life or decrease your life. An observation that I have made in my life is what is in my heart will directly impact my actions or words that I say.

The heart humanity is born with is a heart that desires sin. It is a heart that does not desire godly things. You first need a new heart. Then, only then can you discern through God’s word what is good to let into heart.

Let’s first think through what Scripture says about the heart. We will first look at Ezekiel 11:19-20 and then Proverbs 4:23 which says, “Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life.” Here are two meditations from these passages.  

A NEW HEART

• God is the author of life. He has created you and known about you long before you were ever born. He is trustworthy. He is someone that we should let into our hearts not just for a short time, but forever. Look at the passage in Ezekiel 11:19-20. God promises through the prophet Ezekiel that God will give us a new heart of flesh. The heart of stone that humanity has causes us to unrepentantly sin against our Creator. In Christ, we have an opportunity to have this new heart. Without this new heart, your desires will continue to be worldly. You will chase after passions that only bring you temporary satisfaction. In Christ, this heart of flesh will give you wisdom and knowledge to pursue godly passions and desires. He will give you a purpose to your life and satisfaction that outlast this life.

GUARD YOUR HEART

• The Proverbs verse is a warning. The warning falls in the middle of a proverb where a father is giving direction to his son. An illustration to us that should cause us think of how God’s instruction to us is good for us. His instruction is full of wisdom that protects us from evil. The Lord is calling us to be on guard for what we allow into our hearts. Discipline yourself to read Scripture and memorize it because it protects you. Ask the Lord in your prayers to guard your heart. Temptation comes in many forms, the more Scripture you have in your heart, the more ready you are to fight sin off. Make sure to have people around you that are committed to watch over you. Sometimes others can see the outward expressions of a troubled heart before you can. Be humble enough to hear them out and remember the Lord offers grace when we fall short of His glory. The Lord gives grace, and He gives it in an abundance.