“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Put away from your crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you. Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.” Proverbs 4:23-27
Ever heard of an all-night vigil? When I think of vigilance, I think of not sleeping, not taking a day off, not allowing anything to distract you. The heart is important. It is the center of everything we do and are. This is why God wants our heart – all of it. But, so does the enemy – and the world.
Something I’ve pondered is the relationship between rules, effort, and the heart. I have lived much of my life creating rules, and then trying not to break them. I like structure, and clarity. I like knowing exactly what is expected of me. Then I go out and try to make it happen. It doesn’t always work very well, though. As it turns out, it is easier to do things that flow from your heart than things that you really don’t want to do, but are forcing yourself to do anyway.
Think about it this way. If you love to walk, which is going to be an easier way for you to stay active – taking a daily walk, or going to the gym? We are more likely to do things we actually love and enjoy. God wants our hearts. When He has them, we grow to love and enjoy the things He calls us to do. Scripture states that those who love Him keep His commandments, and they are not burdensome. Activity that flows from the heart is what we really want.
If you are like me, leaning more toward rules than passion, and more toward head (and effort) than heart, perhaps this is a good time to whisper and prayer asking the Lord to change your heart. I know that is my prayer. Will you join me?
