Our hearts are desperately wicked and can deceive us faster and more completely than can our most sinister enemy (Jeremiah 17:9). We may assume we are in control of our heart, but too often it is actually setting the direction for our life. When our heart is filled with pride, we will pursue the recognition and praise our heart covets. When our heart is filled with greed, we will relentlessly grasp what we desire. When our heart is filled with lust, we will rationalize to ridiculous extremes so we can have what we desire. Likewise, when our hearts are filled with love for God, we will serve Him fully and joyfully.
The problem is that just because our heart was pure and true yesterday is by no means a guarantee it is so today. The world is filled with pollutants that infect our heart and contaminate its purity. Watching one advertisement on TV, or seeing one billboard, or gazing upon one forbidden object, is enough to contaminate our heart and point our lives on the path to destruction. Our hearts are incredibly vulnerable!
That is why we must diligently tend to our hearts. No one else is responsible for caring for or guarding our heart. That is solely our responsibility. Half-hearted, lazy, or careless stewardship invites our ruin. With so much at stake, we must guard our hearts zealously and thoroughly. There is no use in protecting 90% of our heart but leaving 10% open for the enemy to enter. We must set a sentry over our heart that refuses to allow it to deviate even one degree from its total love and commitment to Christ.