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November 23, 2007

Guarding Your Heart and Your Mission

by Shana Schutte

Proverbs 4:23 says, "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."

Some might say that this Scripture only applies to keeping oneself from the ungodly influences of the world, and following the commands of Scripture, such as: don't steal, lie or covet. However, guarding one's heart against unhealthy relationships that can destroy the prosperous internal life God intended for us is of utmost importance--and something that should be done "above all else."

While we are not called to operate from an over-protective heart motivated by fear, we are called to use discernment in choosing our closest companions. We are called to love everyone, but we are not called to align ourselves in intimate relationship with all people.

Even Christ did not align Himself with those who were not receptive to His mission, such as those who ridiculed, mocked or tried to seduce Him. To do so would have been futile and unwise. Instead, He carefully chose the twelve disciples He would allow into His inner circle. Why? Because these were the men who were able to participate in the fulfillment of the mission that God had given Him.

In the same way, God has given each of us a mission and a purpose--whether it be the mission of marriage, parenting, or a vocational or spiritual calling. Like Christ, we are to be prayerful and discerning about those we allow into our inner lives. Not everyone can be intimate with us, and not everyone should. Some people are not called to walk with us closely, and others can be downright divisive and a distraction to the plans God has for us that will touch the lives of others.

"Do not make friend with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one who is easily angered, or you may learn his ways and get yourself ensnared" (Proverbs 22:24, 25).

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