Proverbs 4:13 advises, “Above all else, guard your heart for everything you do comes from it.” This article delves into the significance of protecting one’s heart and delves into why the verse emphasizes the importance of this practice.
Additionally, insights will be shared on what elements are hosted in the heart by citing relevant scripture to elucidate the critical nature of safeguarding one’s heart.
1. The Significance of The Heart
The heart stands out as a vital organ within the human body, shielded by a rib cage to safeguard it from external threats. Once the heart ceases to beat, life ceases, as it serves as the organ that pumps the lifeblood in our being.
Symbolically, the heart is the place where all our beliefs reside. Beliefs are internal convictions that we hold strongly, even without concrete evidence to back them up. Our beliefs guide the course of our lives; therefore, everything we engage in stems from the deeply rooted beliefs in our hearts.
Guarding one’s heart means protecting one’s beliefs. The author of this proverb is a God-fearing father imparting wisdom to his children on how to lead their lives. Essentially, he advises them to protect their deep-rooted belief and faith in God, as it will shape their actions and decisions in life.
2. Beliefs In The Heart
The core belief that holds significant value in life is acknowledging Jesus Christ as the Son of God. Referencing John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, so that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life,” emphasizes that believing in Jesus, the Son of God, is the key to our eternal existence.
Paul writes in Romans 10:9, “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Our salvation is incumbent upon what we believe, Paul highlights not only should we believe in Jesus as the Son of God, but his resurrection too.
Jesus’ resurrection holds significance for those of us who are alive, as it empowers us to confidently proclaim that the Lord we serve and worship is alive. This assurance strengthens our faith in prayer, knowing that our supplications are heard by a living God.
3. Other Beliefs That Originate From The Heart
The foundational belief in Jesus as the Son of God, who rose from the dead three days after his crucifixion, paves the way for further beliefs to take root, these are listed below.
3.1 The Word Of God In Our Hearts
Jesus’ teaching is termed the Good News of the Kingdom of God. The belief in his message and what he advocated for becomes deeply rooted in our hearts and influence how we behave. To exemplify this, the belief in loving others the same way as we love ourselves (Matthew 12:31), is a belief that makes us to be kind and generous towards others.
Psalm 119:11 reads, “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I may not sin against you”. God’s word resides in our heart, guarding your heart also refers to guarding God’s word.
Jesus in The Parable of the Scattered Seeds explains that those who accept the message of the Kingdom of God, at once, Satan comes and takes it away (Matthew 13:19).
Therefore, we need to protect our hearts as the enemy is actively trying to steal something crucial that our eternal lives rely on.
3.2 The Holy Spirit In Our Hearts
Paul, in 2 Corinthians 1:22, writes that God identifies us as His own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts.
The heart is loaded with the eternal word and Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit.
These are precious treasures that we need to guard in our heart for they enable us to continually commune with God.
3.3 Christ Living In Our Hearts
First we believe in Jesus as the son of God, then God pours out his Holy Spirit in our hearts. What happens next is written in Ephesians 3:17, “I pray that from his glorious unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.
Then Christ will make home in your hearts as you trust in him.” Our trust in God, makes Christ to reside in our heart.
4. How To Guard Your Heart
We have great and precious treasures in our hearts, the word, the Holy Spirit and Christ.
In essence guarding our hearts means guarding the presence of God dwelling in our hearts through His Word, His Spirit and His Son.
2 Timothy 1: 14 reads, “Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truths that has been entrusted to you.” These precious truths include God’s word, for God’s word is truth (John 17:17).
Like the ribs physically protecting the heart, so then should we guard our hearts to protect the presence of God by rejecting and avoiding beliefs contrary to His Word (1 Timothy 6:20).
John concluded his first epistle by writing very plainly on how we should guard our hearts:
Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts (1 John 5:21).
Everything that we do stems from what’s in our heart, when our hearts is filled with the Holy Spirit, the fruits include love, joy, peace, patience and more (Galatians 5:22-23). Whilst God’s word brings life and freedom to live a righteous and holy life that is inspired by Jesus Christ.
5. Final Remarks On Guarding Your Heart
Guarding our hearts in this life has a bearing on our eternal life. Our belief in Jesus as the Son of God and his resurrection is the key to our salvation.
When we become saved, it is through the word of God, His Spirit and His Son Jesus Christ living in our hearts do we then have a continual relationship with God.
Guarding our hearts is, in essence, protecting the presence of God within us, because we cannot live effectively without Him. And we achieve this by rejecting philosophies that are contrary to God’s word.
Add a Comment