(by pastor Jean)

According to The Passion Translation, Proverbs 4:23 reads, “So above all, guard the affections of your heart, for they affect all you are. Pay attention to the welfare of your innermost being, for from there flows the wellspring of life.” (See also John 4:13-14 for New Testament equivalent). This verse is not referring to the physical organ in our chest that is called the heart and which pumps the life blood to all parts of our bodies. You could talk to any cardiologist and find out how to take care of your physical heart. What we are talking about here is the very core of our being, where all our deepest thoughts and emotions come from. The heart is also the part of you that appreciates beauty, God’s creation for example. Most importantly, the heart is where God’s love comes from. So, how do you “guard your heart”? What you put into your heart determines what comes out of it, “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matt 12:34; MEV). If you read Playboy magazine, watch porn and R rated movies you are not guarding your heart but if you do what Phil 4:8 says and meditate on good, pure and uplifting things – which would include the word, then you are guarding your heart. Do what Colossians 3 verses 1 and 2 say and set your affections on God. God created our physical hearts to keep pumping blood for at least 70-100 years as long as the arteries don’t get plugged up with plaque. Similarly, the “innermost being” will stay healthy as long as we don’t allow plaque to build up there (strife, unforgiveness, bitterness etc.) So, guard your heart diligently and you will reflect the glory of God (2 Cor 3:18).