In the part one of this series, three gates – lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and pride of life – were identified. As Christians, keeping these gates diligently will ensure living a life of holiness and enjoying perpetual victory. Today, we shall be concluding this topic by considering the role of the heart in keeping the gate or otherwise.
In this context, the heart is not considered as an organ which pumps blood, but rather seen as a platform where battles are either won or lost. The human heart is a major gateway from which thoughts, desires, wishes etc., whether good or bad, emanate. The unguarded heart is an avenue through which the devil makes suggestions and brings confusion to people. Therefore, the heart is to be kept tightly secured to prevent infiltration, pollution and contamination. In Proverbs 4:23, the scripture succinctly instructs us: *“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”* A version of the Bible quotes the above as Guard you heart diligently… A serious security guard does not go to sleep while on duty! The word ‘diligence’ means careful and persistent work or effort to achieve a goal. In this perverse generation, keeping your heart diligently requires carefulness and persistence. You must be wary of predisposing factors to seduction and worldly attraction. These include your association, location, prioritization, etc. Be careful, thoughtful, and persistent with the friendship you keep, places you go and choices you make. Do not open the gate of your heart to demonic incursions, unholy suggestions and unedifying interactions. The issues of life are too numerous to mention, but the source of them all is the heart. Many people’s prayers are not answered because of their unrighteous and sinful lifestyle. The Psalmist said: *“If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me”* (Psalms 66:18). What is the state of your heart? Is it filled with evil or unholy thoughts? Are you pure at heart? A lot of people think God is partial or being selective in answering the prayers of others. Friend, check your heart and see whether it aligns with God’s standard! In addition to holiness, to receive any miracle, your heart must connect with God by unwavering faith. Do you trust Him for healing? Open your heart and receive it now!
Your heart is a powerful domain through which you can exercise dominion on all issues of life. Keeping and guarding your heart is a currency for living victoriously! (Concluded).
