I didn’t need to worry about right an’ wrong as long as I continued to worry about right and wrong.”
–James D. Best (Leadville)
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.”
–Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
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On this first day of August I want to leave a couple thoughts in your mind. Something for you to ponder over the weekend and on Sunday, especially. See if they resonate within your soul. Two verses from Proverbs both from the NIV, 1973 edition.
“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” –4:23
“Leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of understanding.” –9:6
We are surrounded by much superficiality today, most of it having to do with external life. The heart (spirit) is the mainspring of our being. “It is the center that controls our thinking, feeling, and desire. It is the secret chamber that controls our whole life.” (Ralph Heynen) In other words, it is what makes us tick (pun intended). This is the place where your character is developed from the issues that you face in life. However, that character development depends much on the choices you make. For example, a situation in life can make you better or bitter–your choice. The choice you make is of dire consequence and it requires sound judgment to make the right choices at the right times, all the time.
Courage and honesty come from the heart as well as fear and hostility. Lies come from dishonest thoughts that come from the heart. “It is for this reason that we must guard the gates of the heart so that the evil desires and longings may not rise to hurt us.” (Heynen) This requires good judgment! Good judgment is developed by discipline; it is not something we are born with. Dale A. O’Shields states that the discipline of good judgment “Is something that has to be purposefully and actively cultivated over time.” It comes our way through various means: study, experience, especially learning the lessons well from our mistakes, from teachers and pastors.
“To truly guard the citadel of our inner selves we must encourage that which is good and lovely, honorable and clean. We must bring ourselves under the control of noble ideas, of uplifting thoughts, and of motives that lead to confident and courageous living.” (Heynen) In this superficial world with all of its allures we must discipline our minds, our eyes, and our thinking if we are to live honorable and righteous lives. General George S. Patton said, “Wars may be fought with weapons, but they are won by men. It is the spirit of the men who follow and of the man who leads that gains the victory.” Take this thought and apply it to your spiritual life as well. What you do with your spirit/heart determines what happens in your life, whom you will serve.
Studies have shown that Millennials have acquired ideals and character from movies more than any other generation. Therefore we need, we must, take authority over our thoughts and make sure that they line up with God’s Word. Discipline your heart and mind to determine the difference between the good, the best and the better, then choose wisely. Prioritize your thoughts and your actions. Do what is important and proper rather than doing what seems urgent and expedient. (O’Shields)
It is what we are that counts. God sees what is in our hearts. It is when we have made the choice for Him that He lives within us and we can depend upon the Holy Spirit when sound judgment is needed. O’Shields writes, “It is the capacity to count the costs and consider the consequences of our attitudes and actions before we entertain and engage them.” That is sound judgment, that is spiritual discipline, that is guarding the heart. I like this little prayer by Ralph Heynen, “Create in me a clean heart, O God. Fill the inner recesses of my soul so that which is unworthy may be crowded out. Give me that inner strength that will carry me on, even in life’s darkest hour. Amen.”
“Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me save that Thou art–
Thou my best thought by day and by night;
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.”
–10th or 11th century Irish hymn (translated in 1905, Mary Byrne)