Guard Your Heart!

The Bible instructs us to guard our hearts (Proverbs 4:23). That means we need to be very careful of who and what we choose to listen to (2 Timothy 2:16-17) and communicate with (1 Corinthians 15:33). In His Word, God gives us instructions on how to do this (Proverbs 4:24-27; 1 Corinthians 15:34; Philippians 4:6-9; 2 Timothy 2:14-16, 22-23; James 1:21-22). We must heed God’s warning and do all that we can to keep our hearts pure. God wants us to be Holy because He is HOLY (Numbers 15:40; Deuteronomy 26:19; Ephesians 1:3-4 1 Peter 2:9). Therefore, let us choose to do that which makes us Holy rather than simply doing whatever makes us happy or feel good at the moment (1 Peter 1:13-16).

Praying (speaking to God) and studying God’s Word (hearing from God) are of the greatest importance for a child of God. When we pray and give thanks to God, the “peace of God” is with us (Philippians 4:6-7); and when we meditate on God’s Word and do the things written in it, the “God of peace” is with us (Philippians 4:8-9). This is how Christians are instructed to “guard their hearts” from darkness, depression, deceit, and ultimately sin (Proverbs 4:20-27; Psalms 119:9-11). Public prayers and group Bible studies with the church or among other Christians should only serve to increase the “protection” from God and the “connection” to God (James 4:7-10). Therefore, we should take full advantage of every opportunity to fellowship with the Saints (James 5:16; 2 Timothy 2:22; Hebrews 10:22-25). I want to encourage everyone reading this to keep praying (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and keep studying (2 Timothy 2:15)!

Paul warns Timothy twice to avoid profane and idle babblings (see 1 Timothy 6:20 and 2 Timothy 2:26). When you come across the word “profane” in these two verses, does the word “profanity” come to mind? Well, it should. The word “profane” there simply means “ungodly.” So, when you think of “ungodly language” what other kind of words come to mind? It is important to note that the word “profane” in these verses can also mean “common,” so just because a word or phrase is commonly used in public by the majority of people, doesn’t mean that it should be used by us Christians (Romans 12:2). This would refer to slang, cultural, or popular words and phrases. A perfect example of this would be euphemisms. Like Timothy, all Christian are commanded to shun (avoid) profane (ungodly) and idle babblings (empty/ vain/ fruitless discussions; or conversations about useless matters). By using or engaging in such speech we may be causing others to stray away concerning the Faith (1 Timothy 6:21; 2 Timothy 2:18). Woe unto the soul that is bold and defiant enough to do that (Matthew 18:6-7)! Our conversation should be the complete opposite of that (Proverbs 8:6-8; Ephesians 4:20-25, 29-32; 1 Timothy 4:12; 4:11; 1 Peter 3:10; 4:11). That way, instead of drawing others away from God we may actually be able to draw them towards Him or back to Him (2 Timothy 2:23-27; 1 Peter 2:9-10). Let us be cautious of what we choose to listen to (1 Corinthians 15:33), and think carefully about what we choose to say (James 1:19).

Tobias Hatchett