A couple of days ago, I checked my Bible app for the verse of the day, and it read, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” Proverbs 4:23
In life we are often told to listen to our heart or be guided by our heart in certain matters. The assumption behind this advice is the notion that the heart is pure and expresses the true (authentic) feelings or the conscience of a person. On the other extreme end, scripture cautions us by saying, “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked…” Jeremiah 17:9
In balancing these two thoughts, Jesus said, “The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks” Luke 6:45
Jesus called whatever dwells in a person’s heart their treasure, meaning, the things we have chosen to value, or the things we have allowed to greatly influence our lives are found in our heart. In one’s heart could be found the love for a spouse, or love for a sport or a pet. In another person’s heart can be found the love for a nation, a love for a political ideology, or a sense of pride in one’s sexuality.
Essentially, whatever sits on the throne of your heart will greatly influence your life. Therefore, we are cautioned that, ‘above all else’ we should guard our heart. This implies that, we must be discerning and protective of what we allow to influence us and take root in our lives. Among other things, this could also mean that we must be discerning of the relationships we give ourselves to, however, it does not mean we should make it difficult to be recipients of love due to past hurt!
Ultimately, as believers, the only treasure and person that should be crowned and seated in our heart above all things, should be the Lord and His Word. If we are influenced by His Word and led by His Spirit, we will have good treasures in our hearts and live fruitful and fulfilled lives according to His will.
The question is… Are you guarding your heart? What sits on the throne of your heart? What have you allowed to greatly influence your life? Reflect on these and ask the Lord for the wisdom and power needed to guard your heart against ungodly influences.
Blessings,
Chris Eke
