A clean heart

As we discussed in our previous blog, we need to make a conscious effort to allow things that will not harm our hearts to have access to our hearts. However,  sometimes we entertain so much impure thoughts that they tend to reflect on our lives. We cannot blame our hearts for the wrong done. Afterall, the whole body is somehow involved: the eye sees the evil, sends signals to the mind, the heart desires it and sends signals to the hands and feet whichever needs to move. We move to the location of evil, we stand there,  walk around it and ultimately take a seat. No wonder Psalm 1:1 is significant: “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers.” What do we do when we fail to guard our hearts and as a result we bear negative fruits?

When we fail to guard our hearts and as a result fall into lifestyles that are not God-glorifying, we need to return to our Maker for help. David overlooked a naked woman until he ultimately committed adultery and murder (2 Samuel 11). Gehazi desired the gifts of Naaman until he received the leprosy of Naaman (2 Kings 5). Similarly, our attitude towards our health is a matter of what we consider to be important. If we see our bodies as God’s temples, we will be conscious to take care of them. But, if our hearts fail to acknowledge the importance of maintaining a healthy Christian lifestyle, we tend to mishandle our lives. We fail to guard our excessive cravings for things that are harmful. We consume whatever we desire without being mindful of the consequences it may bring. 

Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. (Psalms 51:10 NKJV)

When David was notified about his actions, he was remorseful and prayed this prayer: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me” (Psalms 51:10 NKJV). It is important for us to desire a clean heart (free from evil). We can always go back to our Maker. If you have tried to take care of your health and well-being but you are unable to dismiss the bad lifestyles, pray to God to create in you a clean heart. Ask God to renew a steadfast spirit within you. God is interested in you and He desires that you live in good health. He desires that we live a fulfilled Christian life. God’s standards for life are not just God-satisfying but ensure that we live healthy and longer lives. If God warns us to be mindful of what we eat, it is because He wants us to live healthy lifestyles.  

Desires in the hearts, reflect in our lifestyles. Ask God to work on your heart even as we consciously work on ourselves to filter what goes into our hearts.