Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. Proverbs 4:23
Security is a huge issue in our society today. Homeowners utilize the services of security companies to protect their homes and families against intruders while companies pay millions of dollars to protect the identities of customers. Yet even more insidious in our culture is the easy accessibility of all things evil and the diminished values that are eroding our nation’s morality. Indeed there is nothing more vulnerable to evil intrusion than the human heart. You see, the heart is like the home. It needs to be protected, guarded and shielded from harm. Physically, the human heart is a vital organ. It pumps blood and oxygenates our body. If we abuse our hearts by allowing the wrong things to enter our bodies, we can expect negative results. Doctors and other healthcare professionals encourage exercise and a nutritious diet to keep it fit and healthy.
Spiritually, the heart is considered the center of thought, feeling and affection. Our emotions originate in the heart. For example, we say things like “I have a heavy heart”, “I have a broken heart” or “I’ve got joy down in my heart”. The Bible says a man thinketh with the heart (Proverbs 23:7), God looks at the heart (I Samuel 16:7), dwells in our heart (Ephesians 3:17) and we are to love God with all our heart (Matthew 22:37). On the other hand, the Bible tells us the heart is deceitful above all things and it is beyond cure (Jeremiah 17:9)…except that God grants a new heart to all who believe (Ezekiel 36:26). Indeed, the Bible says much about the heart. It is essential to the human spirit and must be guarded at all costs.
Why must our hearts be guarded and what does this have to do with the workplace? The condition of our hearts will determine our moral actions, our attitudes and response towards others. How we treat our customers, colleagues and subordinates depends on our heart condition. The heart is like a cistern we draw from. What we allow to go in will eventually come out. If it is neglected it can get clogged with bitterness, resentment, unforgiveness, selfishness and malice. So, how do we guard our hearts? Most importantly, we fill it with God’s Word by practicing spiritual disciplines including prayer, Bible study, scripture memory, thanksgiving and praise. Your Word I have hidden in my heart that I might not sin against You (Psalm 119:11).
Your workplace challenge is to desire a pure heart. Say with the Psalmist “create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit with me” (Psalm 51:10). Every day fill your heart and mind with the truth of His Word. Your direction in life depends on it. Make today count for His Glory.