“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” (Proverbs 4:3)
In the Old Testament, the heart is not referred to as a physical organ. It is referred to as the core of our being that determines our actions. That is why it is crucial to be vigilant to keep our hearts for God so that what flows out of it is God-glorifying and others-edifying.
If our hearts are ruled by a desire to be rich then we give more time for work, finding part-time jobs to earn more income, and viewing the relationships that we have as potential opportunities to make more money. If our hearts are ruled by praise of men then we change what we say and do to suit the ears and taste of others to gain their approval. If our hearts are ruled by envy, then we become bitter of what others have and become ungrateful for what we do have. If our hearts are ruled by knowledge then efforts are expended to increase one’s knowledge.
The actions of the people around us really speak to what’s happening inside of their hearts. There are times that what rules the hearts of others are obviously seen in the way they live there lives. There are times, too, that it is subtle. The point is not to try to discern what rules their hearts because we are not like God, who perfectly knows all things, including the deepest desires of our hearts. The point is for us to check whether our hearts are ruled by a desire to live for God’s glory or something else.
Also, before we came to Christ in faith, we had hearts of stone that were ruled by sin. There was nothing in us to initiate change because we did not have the power to do so. We need to be changed from the outside by the One who alone could change hearts of stone to hearts that beat for Him. God does this through the good news of Jesus Christ, who came into this world to rescue us from the penalty of our sins through His death on the cross.
Indeed, true and lasting change is anchored on our great Redeemer. Let us be all the more motivated to lead people to Jesus knowing that He alone is our only Hope for salvation and transformation. Truly, Christianity is not merely about following a set of rules to modify one’s behavior. It is about radical heart transformation through the grace of God alone. By His grace, He grants repentance and faith to those who would surrender their hearts to Him.
May Jesus be the Ruler of our hearts because He is the King of kings and Lord of lords. He is worthy of our submission. May we daily confess our sins for allowing anything or anyone to rule our hearts. May we humbly ask God to rule our hearts as we do things for His glory and the good of others.
By grace alone 