Guard your heart above all else,
for it determines the course of your life.
Our hearts are the very core of our being, most often referred to as our spirits in the bible. The scripture for today is instruction that we should guard and protect what comes into our hearts, for what we let into our hearts have an impact on our words, actions and ultimately the course of our lives.
For instance, sin begins in our thought life. We might feel it is not bad to dwell on sinful thoughts because we are not committing the sin. The truth is that when a sin is committed, it never "just happens." Sinful acts begin as attitudes or temptations in our mind and emotions. For from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly [Mark 7:21-22].
You can become crippled spiritually if you continuously dwell on impure thoughts, even if you never commit that particular sinful act. Such thought pattern can become a habit that is hard to break. The thoughts become obsessive and can continue for years, denying you the joy that comes from a clean conscience.
If you find yourself in such a situation, do not despair or feel discouraged. God can help you overcome impure thoughts. Ask God to search your heart. Ask God to reveal any areas in your thought life that need to change. Ask God to help you find out the root cause of the things that lead you to fall into temptations. Pray that God will help you learn to identify and reject unwholesome thoughts.
Many people think thoughts cannot be controlled but the bible encourages us thus, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things [Philippians 4:8]”.
By the grace of God, you can discipline your mind and decide what to think about. Make it a habit to think about things that are pure and true. That way, even your faith will not be contaminated.
Prayer: My Loving Father, those things which are true, honorable, right and pure stimulate us to wholesome thinking which not only purifies us within, but adhering to them also purifies that which is around us as we stimulate toward godly character. Search my heart oh Lord. Reveal to me any impure thoughts that I may be habouring. Show me the very beginning of the temptations I may fall for. Help me to resist thoughts that do not glorify You. Remind me often that my words and actions give me opportunity to bring You glory as I reflect Your image, therefore I must guard my heart. Thank You Father. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
One-Year Daily Bible Reading Plan - Aug. 10 2010 - Isaiah 51-60 (OT), Ephesians 1-2 (NT).
Joyful 'Toon For Today
God’s Love and Mine…
