Watch over your heart with all diligence,
For from it flow the springs of life. – Proverbs 4:23 NASV

A collection of rare precious jewels and gems kept for public display in an exhibition requires round the clock security . In the same fashion, our heart which is the most precious of all in terms of physical and spiritual aspects, also needs immense incessant defence. It is the carrier of life.

The momentous reason conveyed plainly in this verse is “out of it springs issues of life”. Matthew Henry commented on it as ‘out of heart
well kept flow good products, to the glory of God and the edification of others’. Few good products that pleases God such as faith, love for Him and His service, praise, thanksgiving, worship, testimony and towards men such as love,meekness,goodness,faithfulness, compassion for the downtrodden, care for the needy, honouring others, ,self-control -originates from heart. so, we need constant vigilance to shield these treasurable traits from being stolen, killed and destroyed.

When we look upon our heart’s condition before and after salvation and the dangers of lenient care, we can understand the necessity of diligent protection.we will also observe some ways to preserve it, in addition.

 Jesus says in Mark 7:21-23   that “from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts,^]fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality,^] envy, slander, pride and foolishness. All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man”. NASV

When we are washed by the blood of Jesus being born again, we become a new creation. The moment we surrender our hearts to Him, all these filthiness in us is washed away instantly by His power.

We also receive the  Precious Holy Spirit in our hearts at the same time we make Jesus Christ as the Lord of our lives. But working out this experience of salvation( Philippians 2:12) daily by guarding and maintaining without being trapped by the same deceit is our duty. Of course, we can accomplish this only with help of Trinity for He makes it possible and easy by His power. Since He chose our hearts as His residing place ,we ought to keep it holy. He is just as His NAME is-‘HOLY SPIRIT’.

Paul warns Ephesians in his letter sternly ‘ not to grieve the Holy Spirit.’  Harbouring hurt, offense & unforgiveness are the most infectious germs that could defile our whole heart, our health and God destined future. These are terribly harmful & contagious if not taken care immediately  and such debauched qualities would grieve the Holy Spirit as well. If we pursue sinful life in willful disobedience, forfeiting our salvation by denying Jesus as our Lord, He would gently leave from our lives.

On the other hand, He is pleased to stay in the heart which is —

* quick repentant ,

*ready to forgive,

* humble before God and men,

*striving for pure thoughts(meditations) and good attitude

*always cautious about lust, cares of the world, deceitfulness of riches and pleasure of life,

*careful about self-righteousness, being judgemental and criticism,

*filled with the word of GOD.

Frequent evaluation of our heart’s state in the light of God’s word will help us tremendously to keep it holy.

Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling,
And to present you faultless
Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,
To God our Saviour,
Who alone is wise,
Be glory and majesty,
Dominion and power,
Both now and forever.
Amen .(Jude)