Guard your Heart

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.- Proverbs 4:23

Proof that we are born out of sin is found in many passages in the Bible. We are born naturally and to a world filled with sin. Christ was born supernaturally, of God and man, and was sinless. This is why His death became our atonement and reconciled us from all our sins.

This is God’s will. I know it and believe it, even though I still sin. This battle rages within me because even though I know Christ Jesus loves me more than I can possibly understand, loved me first, and died for me willingly to give me everlasting life with Him in heaven, I still sin. In Romans 7:15-20, Paul writes what this battle looks like, and although it can be a bit challenging to read, Paul provides a very clear picture of this struggle:

Romans 7:15-20

15 For I do not understand what I am doing; for I am not practicing what I want to do, but I do the very thing I hate.

16 However, if I do the very thing I do not want to do, I agree with the Law, that the Law is good.

17 But now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin that dwells in me.

18 For I know that good does not dwell in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not.

19 For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want.

20 But if I do the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin that dwells in me.

As scripture tells us, we are free in Christ Jesus. We are free indeed! My sin nature and the prompting from the evil one who taps on my shoulder with doubts of God (See Genesis 3:1-5) can lead me to stray or delay for just a moment. And there I am, in sin and disobeying God, the God of all who loves me and wants fellowship with me.

Just like Jesus in the wilderness, combating Satan is achieved through scripture, the sword of the spirit from Ephesians 6:17, and Hebrews 4:12 says,
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Not if, but when these doubts come, scripture, the word of God, is my only defense. For this battle can not be won by me alone, that is futile thinking. When I surrender to Him and then am obedient, not only does the evil one flee from me, but the ability to have life and have it more abundantly becomes possible.

Use His word to stay close to Him, surrender your struggles to Him, and obey Him. He loves you and wants you free from sin to focus on what His will is, not our own prideful and selfish desires. ?

If you’d like further details, have questions or if you’d like to schedule a complimentary discussion on how you can guard your heart and lead a more balanced, happier and fulfilled life, email me at coach@maximizeu.life. Thanks.