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The Work of Heart-Keeping, June 4
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
Proverbs 4:23
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Diligent heart-keeping is essential to a healthy growth in grace. The
heart in its natural state is a habitation for unholy thoughts and sinful
passions. When brought into subjection to Christ, it must be cleansed by
the Spirit from all defilement. This can not be done without the consent
of the individual.
When the soul has been cleansed, it is the duty of the Christian to keep
it undefiled. Many seem to think that the religion of Christ does not call
for the abandonment of daily sins, the breaking loose from habits which
have held the soul in bondage. They renounce some things condemned by
the conscience, but they fail to represent Christ in the daily life. They do
not bring Christlikeness into the home. They do not show a thoughtful
care in their choice of words. Too often, fretful, impatient words are
spoken, words which stir the worst passions of the human heart. Such
ones need the abiding presence of Christ in the soul. Only in His strength
can they keep guard over the words and actions.
In the work of heart-keeping we must be instant in prayer, unwearied
in petitioning the throne of grace for assistance. Those who take the name
of Christian should come to God in earnestness and humility, pleading for
help.... The Christian cannot always be in the position of prayer, but his
thoughts and desires can always be upward.
To keep your heart in heaven will give vigor to all your graces and put
life into all your duties. To discipline the mind to dwell upon heavenly
things will put life and earnestness into all our endeavors. Our efforts are
languid, and we run the Christian race slowly, and manifest indolence
and sloth, because we so little value the heavenly prize. We are dwarfs
in spiritual attainments. It is the privilege and duty of the Christian to be
increasing in the knowledge of the Son of God, “unto a perfect man.”
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