The Bible speaks accurately and poignantly in declaring that the heart is “deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked” (Jeremiah 17:9). The state of the heart of mankind is brought about by the original great lie that was told in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve sinned and fell from the grace of God. The Bible carries this same theme throughout its teachings, declaring the heart to be a source of continual temptation to sin.
The Bible has much to say about guarding the heart, considering it to be the source of all human motivations. In Proverbs 4:23, we are told to “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” This speaks to the importance of each of us being mindful of the motivations of our hearts, and diligent in guarding it from being led astray by the influences of the world. The Bible also tells us in Psalm 101:3 to “set no wicked thing before mine eyes.” This is more clear reference to not allowing our hearts to be exposed to the world’s temptations.
According to Dave Fife, executive director of The Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, “The heart is also a source of our emotions, thoughts and desires, so it stands to reason that we should be focusing on protecting this area of our lives above all else. We must be careful not to allow it to be swayed by the temptations of the world, which can lead us astray from the path of righteousness.”
Keeping yourself and your family holistically protected from harm is of upmost importance and this includes protection of the heart. The world is full of deceit and temptation, and it can be easy to succumb to its lure. The Bible has continued relevance because its ancient truths still hold true today for all of mankind.
We can find guidance from Scripture to help us stand firm against these temptations. In Matthew 5:8, it says “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” We are reminded that if we guard against the inclination of our hearts to turn away from the path of righteousness, we will be blessed with the gift of seeing God.
Tools for guarding our hearts can be found in 1 Corinthians 10:13 “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” From this, we can see that it is possible to overcome temptation and to keep our hearts strong and true.
Ways To Combat Distractions and Temptations
Having a plan in place is an effective way to reduce temptation. Setting boundaries and avoiding situations that may lead to temptation is critical, as well as having other activities to turn to for distraction. Finding a positive outlet for energy can be key to redirecting the heart towards healthy activities. Engaging in service to others is one surefire way to stay away from activities that will lead us down a path of temptation.
Identifying potential areas of vulnerability can be useful in avoiding temptations. Whether it’s a person or a situation, having a plan to combat temptation when it arises ought to be part of any heart protection plan. Habits such as prayer, reading the Bible, and filling the heart with positive affirmations can go a long way towards helping to ward off the allure of the evil deceit of the world.
Another important aspect of guarding our hearts is to understand the power of affirmation and sharing our faith. When our hearts are surrounded by a community of faith-filled believers, it is much easier to overcome the temptations of the world, as we will be surrounded by faith-filled brothers and sisters in Christ who are willing to help each other stand against the deceptions of the world.
Monitoring Our Thoughts
Ephesians 4:29 instructs us to “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” Our heart is connected to our mouth and what we speak about and how we think about situations. That is why it is important to monitor our thoughts and the words that come out of our mouth. It is a battle between the will of our heart and the will of God.
Having appropriate boundaries is also important to consider when trying to guard our hearts against temptations. Some boundaries may include avoiding places that could expose us to temptations, cutting off a toxic relationship, or altering a habit that has become a struggle. If a habit has become too powerful to overcome on your own, “pursuing dependent accountability is also a valid solution,” says Fife. Finding someone that can help you lift each other up, have honest conversations, and also be accountable for rising up against the temptation can make all the difference.
Listening to sermons, particularly those focused on the heart, can also be beneficial in guarding ourselves from the temptations of the world. A heart has ample potential for holding and being exposed to both truths and lies. Keeping our spirits open to listening and learning is essential, so that the heart can be filled with the promises of hope and the principles of the Bible.
Tools For Spiritual Growth
Another helpful tool in protecting our hearts is spiritual growth. Through testimonies, books, written prayers and other daily spiritual activities, we are reminded every day of God’s promises, and understanding how to apply them to our lives. Growing in faith and strengthening our relationship with God can help us build our spiritual fortitude and increase our resolve against the temptations of the world.
In James 1:22 we are reminded to “…Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” This encourages us to not just be hearers, but doers of the Word. Learning how to apply Biblical truths and principles to our everyday lives is essential in helping us stay true to the truth and guard our hearts from the deceitfulness of the world.
Finally, meditation and complete surrender to God’s will can be a powerful way to open one’s heart to His ever-abiding and healing presence. Praying and reflecting on God’s word helps us understand that it is is up to Him to guard our hearts and that no matter what we have encountered on this earth, He will always love us and guide us to the right path.
Engaging In Service To Others
One effective way to keep the heart shielded from deceit is to engage in service towards others. Whether it’s volunteering at a soup kitchen, tutoring children, or working on a Habitat for Humanity project, engaging in service can help fill our hearts with joy, humility, and compassion for others, and allow for wonderful spiritual growth. Serving others not only helps them, but ourselves as well. It can help us combat feelings of hopelessness, isolation, and despair, and can be a useful tool in combatting the temptations of the world.
Engaging in service to others can provide a sense of mission and purpose, and can bring richness and joy to our lives. Doing good in the world not only can help us steer away from the gravitational pull of the evil one, but also lift us in a way that no other exercise can. “Any service we can render to those around us is an expression of our faith,” says Fife. “And it can be the case that the better we serve, the more our own faith is renewed.”
Being a living witness for God warrants much more than simply attending church services or completing a syllabus of religious facts. It is, in part, finding a creative way to bear witness to God’s miraculous influence. Serving can be an incredible way to do this, and through our service, we can help to draw the hearts of those around us closer to God.
Surrounding Ourselves With Support
It can be incredibly rewarding and encouraging to strengthen existing relationships or form new ones. Having a support network of friends and family that have similar values and beliefs can be profoundly beneficial in fortifying our heart against deceit and temptation. By surrounding ourselves with people of faith, we will be surrounded by others that are committed to helping us stay on the path to God.
The Bible is clear in its instructions to surround ourselves with believers and those that have a desire to serve God. “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners” (1 Corinthians 15:33). This speaks to the power of peer influence, and as our friends shape our beliefs, thoughts and actions, it is essential to choose wisely who we spend our time with.
The Lord has promised us truth, and has placed it within us, but He has also given us the power to discern the truth from the lies of the world. It is our responsibility to use that power to guard our hearts from the deceit that surrounds us, and to seek the counsel of God. By doing so, we will be able to resist the temptations of the world and remain secure in the knowledge of our faith.
