What Matters Most

It is common to hear a Christian say that the “most important day of my life was the day I accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as my Savior.” It’s also common to hear them say that “it wasn’t long before I began to face the same old problems, was tempted and fell back into my sinful ways.” How amazing that, centuries ago, Solomon gave us some sound, solid advice for the new Christian as well as Christians of all ages and stages in their walk with the Lord. What was it?

“Above all else care for your loved ones…work hard…exercise daily…be a good person!” No! “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.”

If there is any verse that we as Christians must take to heart, it is a verse that warns us to “guard our hearts!” There is so much more to our hearts than the “sentimental” side that we read of in novels and hear of in songs. The heart is where life begins and ends; it is where habits, values, wills, and emotions begin. In our hearts is where we find the answers to “who we are” and “what the difference is between ourselves and others,” and “what matters most,” and “what we will give our lives to and for.” It is from our “hearts” that “the real me” springs forth when we least expect it, and causes us to want to hide from embarrassment when we are finally “uncovered.”

What fills our hearts eventually flows into our lives and the lives of others. This “overflow” is who we are. If we fill our hearts with His love, grace, hope, and wisdom, others will see Him.

Prayer: Father, may we relentlessly guard our hearts against anything that would destroy us and our walk with You. Give us your strength to stand firm! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: Proverbs 4:23 Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.