“Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life.” Proverbs 4:23
In the wisdom literature of the Bible, the heart is more than the physical body part that keeps our blood flowing. It is the symbol of where our emotions, attitudes, desires, and moral character are kept. Heart is often used to describe how we might explain what a person is like, as in “he has a good heart” or “he has bad intentions in his heart.” In this scripture, a father is giving good advice to his child.
We, as Christians, have God as our Father, and He has a lot of “good advice” for His children. It would be wise to hear and follow His advice. We know God loves us, so we know He always has the best in mind for us. If we hold God’s word in our heart, springs of life will flow, as the scripture tells us.
When I was a child, I had a Sunday School teacher who taught the importance of Bible memorization. She would say that when she grew older and her body begin to fail her, she wanted to be certain that she could remember God’s word; especially some of her favorite verses that gave her encouragement. She would say that one day her eyes may not be able to read, or that her ears may not hear. But she still could hold God’s word in her mind and her heart. Then she would always be assured of the comfort and hope that God’s word provides.
I know that everyone’s mind does not work the same, so Bible memorization may be more difficult for some. However, when we immerse ourselves in God’s word, we learn the life-giving principles that God teaches. Bible reading, study, and hearing God’s word are of great value to our growth in our Christian walk, with each step bringing us closer to the center of God’s will. And that is the safest place on earth to be.
Scott Kinnick – CBC Executive Board member
