In the previous episode, we discussed how important it is to watch what we allow to fill our hearts:
Proverbs 4:23 NIV Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
In the previous episode, I left you with this question: What is the best way to do this? What is the best way to guard our hearts? Look at how Robert Munger answers this question, in the conclusion of his word picture entitled “My Heart, Christ’s Home.”
TRANSFERRING THE TITLE
Then a thought came to me. I said to myself, "I have been trying to keep this heart of mine clear for Christ. I start on one room and no sooner have I cleaned that [room.] then another room is dirty. I begin on the second room and the first room becomes dusty again. I am so tired and weary [from] trying to maintain a clean heart and an obedient life. I just am not up to it!" So I ventured a question: "Lord, is there any chance that you would take over the responsibility of the whole house and operate it for me and with me, just as you did that closet? Would you take the responsibility to keep my heart what it ought to be and my life where it ought to be?"
I could see his face lighten up as he replied, "Certainly, that is what I came to do. You cannot be a victorious Christian in your own strength. That is impossible. Let me do it through you and for you. That is the way. But," he added slowly, "I am not [the] owner of this house. I am just a guest. I have no authority to proceed since the property is not mine."
I saw it in a minute and dropping to my knees, I said, "Lord, you have been a guest, and I have been the host. From now on I am going to be the servant. You are going to be the Lord." Running as fast as I could to the strong box, I took out the title deed to the house describing its assets and liabilities, its situation and condition. Then returning to him, I eagerly signed it over to belong to him alone, for [all] time and eternity. "Here," I said, "here it is, all that I am and have forever. Now you run the house. I'll just remain with you as houseboy and friend."
He took my life that day and I can give you my word, there is no better way to live the Christian life. He knows how to keep it in shape, [so that] deep peace settles down on the soul. May Christ settle down and be at home in your heart as Lord of all.
What a great illustration! This makes me think of the following verses:
Romans 12:1 ESV I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. [Application: Presenting ourselves to God as a living sacrifice is one way to “transfer the title of our heart” to God.]
Philippians 2:13 ISV For it is God who is producing in you both the desire and the ability to do what pleases him. [Application: As we transfer the title of our heart to God, we will experience an increasing desire and ability to do what pleases Him.]
Psalms 24:1 HCSB A Davidic psalm. The earth and everything in it, the world and its inhabitants, belong to the LORD. [Application: Transferring the title of our heart to God is merely acknowledging the fact that we belong to God.]
In summary, the best way to guard our hearts is to give ownership of our heart to Jesus – to give Him the keys to our heart. This is confirmed in the following verse:
Proverbs 23:26 (HCSB) My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe [and give attention to] my ways.
In other words, God is speaking to us, imploring us to give our hearts to Him -- to observe intently, and give attention to, His ways and nature. Remember: to whatever (and whomever) we give our attention, we are empowering them, and giving them our heart. When we give our full attention to God, we are giving Him our heart.
Will you join me in purposing to give my attention and my heart first and foremost to God?
Today, I encourage you to “Reflect on This.”