Guard Your Heart

It was 1:30 A.M. on Friday, December 6, 1991. Patrolman Tommy Garrison of the Byhalia (Mississippi) City Police had pulled over a gray Monte Carlo for no tag on Highway 309. Garrison walked to the car where three men were waiting.

The driver said he didn't have his license with him but knew the number. Then Garrison saw three VCRs stacked in the back seat.

"Where did you get those VCRs?" he asked. That's when all three men got out. The first attacked Garrison with a knife. While the police officer was wrestling with him, a second man pulled a handgun and shot twice.

The first bullet struck the officer in the stomach and knocked him off balance. When the second hit his chest, Garrison was flung to the ground.

The three men jumped back into the Monte Carlo and spun out, heading north toward the Tennessee line. Before they were out of sight, however, Garrison stood up and ran back to his car to put out an all-points bulletin. He was shaken up and bruised, but unwounded.

That morning Garrison had put on one of the department's bullet-proof vests. The seven-year-old vest was two-and-a-half pounds of discomfort and reeked with sweat. Garrison had not been wearing it regularly because it was such as nuisance. But that Friday had been cool, and Garrison had worn the vest all day. And at the critical moment, it had saved his life by guarding his heart.

God warns, " Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellsprings of life" (Prov. 4:23). In other words, maintain your purity, your integrity, your commitment to the Lord.

Whenever you keep something precious safe, you can cherish and enjoy it, and its value appreciates. The longer we guard our heart-the more time and attention we invest in its care-the easier it is to keep up the watch. The more carefully we guard it, the more secure it will keep us.

Officer Garrison told me that ever since that bullet-proof vest saved his life he has worn one every hour he's been on duty. The rest of the officers on the force were motivated to start wearing them too, but it wasn't long before most of them left their vests at the station once more. When the critical moment comes, they won't be ready.

Guard your heart. Keep it for Jesus alone. If Jesus were to appear before you right now, and you were to ask, "What do want of me?" I believe that He would say, "I want your heart. Just give me your heart."

If He so greatly desires to have your heart, it must be a precious treasure indeed. Guard it carefully.

Copyright ©2005 Steve Singleton, All rights reserved.

Steve Singleton has written and edited several books and numerous articles on subjects of interest to Bible students. He has taught Greek, Bible, and religious studies courses Bible college, university, and adult education programs. He has taught seminars and workshops in 11 states and the Caribbean.

Go to his DeeperStudy.org for Bible study resources, no matter what your level of expertise. Explore "The Shallows," plumb "The Depths," or use the well-organized "Study Links" for original sources in English translation. Sign up for Steve's free "DeeperStudy Newsletter."

---

Clearing Your Inner Landscape: Freeing Yourself From Emotional Deadwood

Do you suffer from emotional clutter? Is suffering even the... Read More

Conspiracy of Silence

Direct Answers - Column for the week of January 12,... Read More

The Power of Notes

Notes are very powerful. They express your thanks, encouragement, sympathy,... Read More

Anamcara - Being Forever Enough

When was the last time you felt you were enough... Read More

Each Moment Is To Be Treasured

Let us grasp and treasure each precious moment of our... Read More

The Shattered Identity

I. ExpositionIn the movie "Shattered" (1991), Dan Merrick survives an... Read More

The Power of Inner SELF

I am sharing one of the great insights.The fear that... Read More

Innovation Management ? Being Receptive to Inspiration

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More

Play a BIGGER role in life!

Did you ever think that you are not playing the... Read More

Self Acceptance ? Lessons From My Hair Affair

For our diet and, indeed, in every aspect of our... Read More

Getting Past Those Blah Days

Get It OutWhen something is bothering you, whether be a... Read More

A Bit Of Turbulence

Direct Answers - Column for the week of July 1,... Read More

Worship and Football: Lets Take Another Look

At a recent seminar we were asked to imagine if... Read More

The Power of One

It was one of those once-in-a-life-time moments. The entire World... Read More

Following Through

Direct Answers - Column for the week of March 24,... Read More

Using Appreciation to Make a Difference

When in 1996 a local Secondary School opened, the staff... Read More

Whose Decision

Direct Answers - Column for the week of May 5,... Read More

Random Thoughts on Living Your Best Life

More things I've noticed along the way:* Our son's birthday... Read More

Self-Validation: Living an Empowered Life

Sometimes we are concerned with being right and we don't... Read More

Stay With It!

I walked out of his office inspired. All I could... Read More

Are You Taking Responsibility?

It is time to take responsibility for our actions and... Read More

Charge Your Imagination (3)

As we progress into the year, it is necessary for... Read More

How Would YOU React To Tragedy Like This?

The true story I'm about to share will have a... Read More

The Secret Of Lasting Personal Change

Why do so many of us end up frustrated when... Read More

How to Conquer Fears and Worries

"More than any other time in history, mankind face a... Read More

Life Is Worthwhile If You

(Excerpted from the Jim Rohn Two Day Weekend event -... Read More

What is My Life Purpose?

Why am I here?If you haven't already asked this question,... Read More

Life

Life is what happens to you, while you are making... Read More

Bus Driver By Day, Online Business Success By Night

Janine Wachowski, a long-time resident of South Elgin, Illinois, drives... Read More

5 Simple Tips For A Better Life

How can we enjoy a better lifestyle?'Easy' I hear you... Read More

A Global Empathy Deficit- 2 Lessons

"...We've got a budget deficit that's important, we've got a... Read More

Do You Feel Headed For Shipwreck?

The ocean liner Achille Lauro sailed perpetually under a dark... Read More

Synchronicity

Synchronicity: the coincidence of events that seem related but are... Read More