Guard Your Heart
In Proverbs Chapter 4:23, we read,
“Above all else, guard your hearts, for out of it springs the issues of life. ”
God moved in a mighty way in The Jesus Revolution (movie). But, you saw pride begin to rise in both men. The flesh and pride of life rose up—the issues of life. You see what a person’s heart is like under challenging times AND extraordinary times. But under pressure – you really see it. From an abundance of heart, the mouth speaks.
So how do you live in a place of peace and protection? How do you remain there, even when frustrations mount?
If we guard our hearts above all things, we will walk with God.
Do you do this? Because that is where the enemy comes in. This happens even more during an absolute move of God.
You may have a calling on your heart, but if you don’t guard it, the issues of life can lead you to a place of ruin. We saw this happen in the story of The Jesus Revolution. Don’t let things into your heart that should not be there.
You have to find the weakness that will lead to a chink in the armor. That is where the enemy will work. He is a hunter, and he will look for those things. Walk with humility and KNOW that you are vulnerable. If you don’t think you are weak, you are the most vulnerable because you can’t see it.
Evaluate the consequences of what would happen if you fell – sexually, morally. That should cause you to look at it and brings the fear of the Lord. Then, learn to equip yourself.
Accountability is key
Authenticity is key
Open communication with your spouse and critical people in your life.
Avoid the appearance of evil even if you haven’t done anything wrong. Don’t go into places that could tempt you or give the impression of wrongdoing.
For example, please don’t drink alcohol around a friend who has a problem with it.
Learn to walk in the rhythm of life. For me, I need a day of rest to stay in that rhythm. I need to be careful what I do after I’ve poured out. I need to know the right relationships and check my heart condition. Intimacy can be explained by the definition “into me, you see.” Do you allow intimacy with God?
The truth is that in our flesh dwells no good. But if you are Christian, you are more than that flesh. You are gifted with a new heart that is overflowing with goodness. You crucify things that aren’t of Him in your spirit and soul. He is renewing our minds and hearts.
So, your heart condition should be monitored. Allow yourself to be monitored. Allow others to evaluate you. If you think you are above the need for this, you are in a vulnerable place.
Evaluate certain parts of your life. If you have given in before, the devil will look for an opportune time to return to that place. If he tried to get Jesus to falter, he will do it to you. Don’t be reckless.
Self-awareness is so vital. Be wise. Guard yourself. Learn to equip yourself.
Stress will cause you to react. It can show good but also surface things that are NOT of God. When you are in transition, you will be shaken. Spiritual warfare is real too. Areas of cities and regions are full of this. If it hasn’t been cleansed, then that sin has tainted that land. You can’t be unaware of these things.
We wrestle with principalities and forces of wickedness. We see this with cities like Chicago, Seattle, and Portland. Identificational repentance is critical. We join together and repent of things in this city. Things will begin to shift.
Ephesians Chapter 5 is a big help in this area and in relationships.
“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them.”
Be separate and holy. I want to see a move of God and see families transformed. Guard your heart, don’t be foolish, and think you aren’t vulnerable.
So, let’s recap. Convince yourself that you ARE vulnerable, warn yourself of the consequences, equip yourself to safeguard your heart, and pray for the impartation of purity.