I played capture the flag over the Christmas break. We were anything but passive when it came to protecting our flag. Those of us who were guarding the flag put our full energy into making sure no one got across our line. The same should hold true for us when it comes to our hearts. Have you drawn your line in the sand? Set your boundaries so far back that the opposing side, the Enemy, can’t even think about capturing your heart and the path that God has set before you.
Your inner person always impacts the outside direction of your life. Who you choose to date. To hang out with. Your career. Your choices about college or work. Whether or not you choose to respect your parents. Everything within your heart has an impact, positive or negative, on your life. That’s why Solomon, the wisest, and wealthiest, king to walk this planet, said: “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” Another translation says, “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.”
In every area of your life, you are influenced by your heart. What you fill your heart with determines the direction of your life—and ultimately your destiny. Your heart determines how you view life, the words that you speak, and the steps that you take. If you will keep your eyes focused on the goals God has given you, and protect what He has placed within you, you’ll be on the path to living out your unique calling. In the end, either your beautiful, noble heart will help guide you in the right way or your stagnant, polluted heart will cause you to miss out on God’s best for your life.