The Problem of Our Own Hearts

“Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23).

We may hear teaching about the need to pray, fast and study the Scriptures. And we may plead with God for a deeper hunger for him, a closer walk with him, and a greater passion for Jesus. But Proverbs tells us we must reckon with even deeper issues than these. This verse speaks of heart issues, hidden, secret things that determine the life-flow that comes out of us.

Even if we pray longer hours, fast more often, and read the Bible more diligently, we can still be defiled in our mind and shut off all but a trickle of that life-flow.

Jesus tells us clearly what defiles a person: “Hear and understand: ‘Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man’” (Matthew15:10-11). What are these issues of the heart? What are the ways that pollute our inner man and then our entire being?

The Bible points out three issues: a defiled mouth, defiled ears, and defiled eyes. As servants of the Lord, we cannot allow anything to hinder the flow of Christ’s life in us. We have to rule our heart and actions by his Word because if any part of our inner man is defiled, our outward life and testimony will be hindered.

• A defiled mouth — James warns, “The tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity” (James 3:6)
• Defiled ears — “The Lord has opened My ear; and I was not rebellious, nor did I turn away” (Isaiah 50:5). The Holy Spirit attuned the Son’s ear to hear the Word of his Father and he was quick to listen to it.
• Defiled eyes — “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment” (John 7:24).

No person is too holy to heed the warnings of Jesus and make a change. Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and make you clean in every area of your life.