Where's Your Heart?

Recently, I ran across one of my favorite Bible scriptures, Proverbs 4:23 (KJV). It reads, Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it comes the issues of life. This verse reminds me that our heart is the center from which all of our reactions and behaviors stem. If we want to react properly to situations, if we want to do what is right, we must guard our hearts. I often relate this scripture to Matthew 6:21 (KJV), which says, For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. In other words, what we love the most is where our focus is. This will determine how we act, how we respond to situations, and how we treat others. If someone has evil intentions they will only be nice for so long. Eventually the real heart is going to show. If someone’s focus is on material things, then when they do not get what they want, they whine, pout, and become angry. The Bible also tells us in Matthew 12:34 (NIV), that out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. What you say comes from what is in your heart. Your heart is a reflection of the real you. Jesus tells us in Matthew 22:37 (KJV), to love the Lord thy God with all thy heart with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. He also tells us in Matthew 6:33 (KJV), But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added unto you. Things, meaning anything that we need to live. If God promises to give us all that we need, then why do we focus our heart on what we want or desire? Speaking from experience, I can probably say it is because our heart’s focus is on what WE want, and not on God, and what He wants for our lives. It is not wrong to desire. God created us as human beings who have desires, but it is wrong when those desires become our focus and cause us to live in a way that is displeasing to God.
Imagine the wasted days, months, and years spent in worry, anger, and with a bad attitude because we did not get what we wanted and things did not go our way. Think of the people you affect while spending your time this way. The Bible says in II Corinthians 4:8 (KJV) that the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Where is your heart’s focus? What does it take to “ruin” your day? Chances are, whatever it is, is what your heart focuses the most on. Listed below is a clipping that I found in a magazine. I cannot take credit for writing what is below. Actually, I cannot give credit to anyone because I do not remember what magazine I cut this out of! I am bad about collecting quotes, sayings, and statements. This is one of them. Read it and think about what it says. What does your heart say about you? Are things in your heart, or are they given to God?


When Stuff Is…

Given to God
You don’t have to have it ever.
You pray about it sincerely
You're lovely to be around.
You can wait for what you want.
You think about other people.
You're content and thankful.

In Your Heart
You must have it now!
You insist, whine and pout.
You’re unpleasant to be around.
You spend impulsively.
You’re selfish thinking only of yourself.
You’re consumed with ingratitude.