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The Work Of Heart-Keeping, April 14
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
Proverbs 4:23
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Diligent heart-keeping is essential to a healthy growth in grace. The heart in its
natural state is a habitation for unholy thoughts and sinful passions. When brought
into subjection to Christ, it must be cleansed by the Spirit from all defilement.
This can not be done without the consent of the individual.
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When the soul has been cleansed, it is the duty of the Christian to keep it
undefiled. Many seem to think that the religion of Christ does not call for the
abandonment of daily sins, the breaking loose from habits which have held the
soul in bondage. They renounce some things condemned by the conscience, but
they fail to represent Christ in the daily life. They do not bring Christlikeness into
the home. They do not show a thoughtful care in their choice of words. Too often,
fretful, impatient words are spoken, words which stir the worst passions of the
human heart. Such ones need the abiding presence of Christ in the soul. Only in
His strength can they keep guard over the words and actions.
In the work of heart-keeping we must be instant in prayer, unwearied in
petitioning the throne of grace for assistance. Those who take the name of
Christian should come to God in earnestness and humility, pleading for help....
The Christian cannot always be in the position of prayer, but his thoughts and
desires can always be upward.
To keep your heart in heaven will give vigor to all your graces and put life into
all your duties. To discipline the mind to dwell upon heavenly things will put life
and earnestness into all our endeavors. Our efforts are languid, and we run the
Christian race slowly, and manifest indolence and sloth, because we so little value
the heavenly prize. We are dwarfs in spiritual attainments. It is the privilege and
duty of the Christian to be increasing in the knowledge of the Son of God, “unto a
perfect man.”
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