Guarded-Part 2

Above all else, guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:23

What things do we need to protect our hearts from? We each have areas of personal sin that cause us more difficulty than it does for someone else. There is still a root of sin that has the potential to damage each of us if we are not careful. We have to learn what we need to guard against so that we can be successful in our protection. What do we need to guard against?

• Gossip: needless conversation about others that is not encouraging or uplifting
• Lust: fixating (even briefly) on others & allowing your mind
• Envy: becoming so desirous of someone else & their status/possessions/abilities
• Pride: giving ourselves the credit instead of honoring God
• Apathy: resigning ourselves to not caring 
• Superiority: a hardening of the heart as we elevate ourselves above others
• Self-worship: seeking our own satisfaction instead of looking to honor God

Determining our areas of vulnerability and developing a plan of protection will help us be successful in guarding our hearts. We may find that that old adage is true: sometimes the best offense is a good defense.

Guarded

Above all else, guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:23

The heart is our most vital organ. While we can live (for a while anyway) with any other organ malfunctioning, we won't survive if our heart doesn't work. All other bodily functions are dependent on the heart and its ability to pump blood. Physically, our rib cage protects the heart from incidental & intentional damage by deflecting a blow that could potentially kill us. Our bodies are intentionally designed with this bony shield in place to keep our hearts protected.

On a spiritual level the heart is also where all of our emotions and desires flow from. It is what drives us to take action, to pursue relationships, change careers, and be passionate about making a difference. Our heart is the center of who we are and it fuels all other things--both healthy & unhealthy. What do we use to protect our heart spiritually? What barriers do we put up that keep us away from harmful thoughts & actions?

• Accountability partners: allowing other people the right to speak truth and help us stay focused
• Honest communication with our spouse: sharing struggles & working together in love
• Daily prayer & confession of sin: constantly asking God to cleanse & heal our heart
• Internet filters & reporting software: practical tools that will help us avoid potential pitfalls
• Avoidance of tempting places & people: learning new behaviors and avoiding old ones
• Consistent spiritual disciplines: practicing the habits of the Christian faith to maintain our commitment

Guarding your heart isn't a passive activity, but something we have to earnestly & diligently pursue. Our heart is valuable enough that the effort is worth it.