Every day you pass the same car dealership on your way to and from work. And every day you see the same luxurious red sports car. Your heart yearns to have that car. Soon you are purchasing that red sports car although you can’t afford it and it is not practical for your needs.
Every day you walk past the corner bar. The sounds of laughter are inviting. One day you go inside to see what is going on. Soon you are caught up in the bar culture and lose control of your drinking habits. Disaster strikes every area of your life.
Every day you work next to the most attractive person in the office. You are curious about this person’s life and interests. You strike up a casual conversation. But soon you are meeting together for a secret rendezvous, despite your seemingly happy marriage.
Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do.” We must keep our hearts from attraction to wrong and evil things. Because soon we will follow our hearts into these very things which we know will only harm us. The ability to guard our hearts requires discipline over time to build the habit of right thinking. It also requires power from God. We are helpless to acquire the necessary discipline and fortitude to control our attractions. We need God’s power and wisdom through His Holy Spirit. It begins by surrendering to God’s love and mercy. We must acknowledge our weaknesses in order to draw upon His strength. Ask God today to give you power to guard your heart and avoid the disasters that an unguarded heart will bring.
Reluctant Retiree 