On Guard

Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.
Proverbs 4:23 NLT

I caught a YouTube video of old and very familiar commercial jingles the other day when I was out there looking for a specific old hymn. Later in the day, I found myself singing the jingles in my head. I was reminded of how easy it is to get distracted. Was I sinning? No. However, I think it was great that God reminded me of just how easy it is to allow things into our spirit without any effort at all, and how much more effort it takes to get rid of them. 

We're bombarded from all sides all day long. How much defense do we have on hand? Are we prepared? Are we guarding our hearts against the everyday drivel, angst, and frustration?

Verses 24-27 conclude the chapter of our text today - with these instructions:

Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech. 
Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you.
Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path.
Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil. 

It's easy... way too easy to get sidetracked. If we're going to expend energy, let's make it worth our while. Let's make the effort to put in the good stuff - God's Word, His praise. Sound teaching. Make the effort to guard your heart. It's much easier than having to do a transplant...

Prayer:

Father,
            Make us ever mindful of You and Your ways and Your will for us. Keep us focused so that we stay on the safe path - the one You have walked before us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.