Network Discipling Ministries

HEART CONDITION

Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life – Proverbs 4:23

Read First: Matthew 5:8

The heart is the major center of one of the most essential life-support systems of the human body. This little organ, about the size of a fist, beats about two and half billion times in an average life-time (66 years), transporting oxygen and nutrients to all parts of body, while, at the same time, eliminating body-waste. It is, therefore, quite easy to see that if the heart or the blood which it pumps become tainted by sickness or disease, that all other normal body functions are placed at life-threatening risk. Drawing upon this very important understanding with regard to the vital function of this unique organ, its name has become the symbolic centerpiece for every concept of learning, field of study, or any other human enterprise. “The heart of the matter” is an oft repeat phrase used in all circles of communication when efforts are being made to focus attention on core or vital issues pertaining to the discussion at hand.

Jesus makes this very important link with the human heart when He addressed His mountainside audience. He said that the pure in heart will enjoy the kingdom blessedness of seeing God. Certainly, Jesus was not speaking about the purity of the little organ in the chest cavity of the human being. However, He makes use of the vital function of the heart as it relates to every other human body function to establish its critical correlation to the moral center of the human soul—the inner man of the spirit (2 Corinthians 4:16; Ephesians 3:16). Just as the heart is the major life-support organ of the natural life, so the heart (inner man of the spirit) is the most important element of life in the spiritual realm. Just as the purity of the heart is very critical for quality body life; so the purity of spirit is very critical for quality spiritual life.

The quality of a person’s spirit influences the moral tenor of his soul, which, in turn, governs all his daily thoughts and actions. Jesus’ point is very simple: If a man’s heart (spirit or moral center) is pure or uncluttered, then he will have the privilege of seeing God. Really, the pure in heart (spirit) are the true children of God. The Word of God says that the Holy Spirit bears witness to our spirit [heart] that we are children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:16, 17).

How does one keep his heart pure? The Bible says, by guarding it according to God’s Word (Psalm 119:9). In verse 11 of that same Psalm, the writer says: “Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against Thee.” The wisdom of the book of Proverbs instructs us to stand watchful guard over what we allow to enter our heart, through the portals of our soul (our five senses); for whatever comes from will influence our entire life for good or evil (Proverbs 4:23; Matthew 12:35).

King David once asked the all-important question: “Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?” (Psalm 24:3). In other words, who are the blessed one given the enviable privilege of standing in the presence of the Almighty? The answer he gives to his own question is very instructive for all kingdom-seekers.

⁴He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. ⁵He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. ⁶This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob.

Psalm 24:4-6

May we all be encouraged and empowered by it to be faithful watchmen over our hearts.