"The glory of God is man fully alive." (Saint Irenaeus)
Four Principles of Guarding Your Heart:
1. Recognize the Treasure of Your Heart! Proverbs 4:23 "Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life." (HCSB)
Question: Can we only die to self when we guard our heart?
The Key to the Heart:
Mark 12:30 Matthew 15:16-20
Luke 12:34 Ephesians 1:8
Proverbs 3:5 Psalms 119:11
1 Samuel 16:7 Romans 10:9
Our heart is the truest expression of who we really are!
2. Make it a Priority to Guard Your Heart!
Dangers:
Taking care of our heart is a selfish pursuit.
Limiting guarding our heart to purity only.
Guarding your heart is more about feeding your soul than avoiding sin.
Proverbs 4:21-22 "Don't lose sight of them; keep them within your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and health to one's whole body." (HCSB)
3. Minimize the Trash in Your Heart! Proverbs 4:24-25 "Don't let your mouth speak dishonestly, and don't let your lips talk deviously. Let your eyes look forward fix your gaze straight ahead." (HCSB)
Some trash is easy to identify, while others are more difficult to discern and to remove.
2 Timothy 2:21 "So if anyone purifies himself from these things, he will be a special instrument, set apart, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work." (HCSB)
4. Energize with the Truth in Your Heart! Proverbs 4:20 "My son, pay attention to my words; listen closely to my sayings." (HCSB)
We must understand the differences between facts and truth!
Jeremiah 23:29 "'Is not My word like fire'--the Lord's declaration--'and like a sledgehammer that pulverizes rock?'" (HCSB)
By guarding your heart, you stay locked on to God's will and the "wellsprings of life."
Question: What is your heart lock on?
