Security!

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

Proverbs 4:23 NIV

Who would have thought that preparing to take a test for my ESL certification would prompt a blog post. The following is from the e-mail I received about the security measures they have in place at the testing center:

In addition to the measures listed here, many friends have told me about other requirements such: as no jewelry (there could be a camera or recording device hidden in it…); you will be searched with a wand; your eyeglasses are carefully examined before entering; if you need to use the restroom during the testing time, you will be escorted out, have your palm rescanned and be patted down again before being allowed to reenter! WOW! They are EXTREMELY serious about maintaining the integrity of this test.

All of this brought to mind the verse at the top of the post, Proverbs 4:23. The ESV versions says, “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” If an organization goes thorough all of the above to protect a test with no eternal value, I should be doing a lot more to guard my heart which has connections not only to the here and now but also throughout all eternity.

When I searched for this verse (I couldn’t remember the “address”…), I found SO many other verses with similar thoughts…

Take care lest your heart be deceived, and you turn aside and serve other gods and worship them;”

Deuteronomy 11:16 ESV

he taught me and said to me, ‘Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments and live.’

Proverbs 4:4 ESV

Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children’s children-

Deuteronomy 4:9 ESV

But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap.

Luke 21:34 ESV

And he said to them, ‘Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.’

Luke 12:15 ESV

The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

Luke 6:45 ESV

The words used in these verses are quite descriptive. The verbs-guard, watch, take care and the nouns-vigilance and diligence all portray a very active versus passive stance to protecting the integrity of our hearts. This does not happen without much intentionality. I know that I have a tendency to become complacent and comfortable with life and just “go with the flow” way more than I should.

To guard my heart with diligence: 1) I need to watch what I let in to it (Psalm 119:37). 2) I need to evaluate what’s in there and rightfully deal with what should not be there (2 Corinthians 10:5) and cultivate what should be there (Psalm 119:11, Philippians 4:8). 3) I need to consciously decide to do this day by day and moment by moment.

“Heavenly Father, remind me daily to keep watch over my heart will all diligence and vigilance. Remind me that by obeying this desire You have for me, I will live a life that not only pleases You, which is my ultimate desire, but also live a life that will be filled with much joy and peace. In Jesus’ name, amen.”