“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life” (Prov. 4:23). Oh, if only these words were engraven upon the tablet of each heart, how differently would it fare with many who set out for the heavenly Canaan!
When Jehu, the grandson of Nimshi, lighted on Jehonadab coming to meet him as he went on a Divine errand to take and slay the prophets, the servants, and the priests of Baal, he asked this son of Rechab, “Is thine heart right, as my heart is with thy heart? “The reply was prompt and emphatic: “It is.” Then the fiery Jehu gave him his hand, and said, “Come with me, and see my zeal for the Lord “(2 Kings 10:15-16).
“Get right with God “is a summons that has startled many a careless Christian’s heart and suddenly awakened many a sleepy saint’s conscience. What a need there is that the Holy Spirit shall speak these words solemnly in our hearing! The lives of numbers of Christians have become like a rudderless ship upon a rough and dangerous sea. Oh, what will the end of it be?
Is my heart with Him—God’s beloved Son? The question should be seriously considered in these days when the god of this world, Satan, is so busily catering for the lusts of all men; when children of God are tasting that wicked one’s dainties and losing their appetite for the bread from Heaven. Surely our souls need restoring, especially in view of the near return of our Lord and the soon-ending day of grace.
From the heart proceed “the issues of life.” What vigilant guard we should set over those thoughts and ideas working in our bosoms, which ever and anon are released from custody and take form as actions. A little drift will turn the course of a stream; so may a small action lead to momentous issues, turning the whole course of life into a different channel, for good or ill. God alone can tell the result.
“The wide effect of many a word and deed
Will rise before us in Eternity.”
Therefore, “Keep thy heart above all that thou guardest “(R.V., marg.).