John Flavel, a pastor in 17th century England, wrote a very practical, penetrating book: On Keeping the Heart (1667). “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life” (Prov. 4:23). Guarding the heart is the great work of the Christian.
Your heart—that deep inner seat of affection and trust—must be tended if your attachment to Christ is to survive and flourish. Like a garden, it requires cultivation; like a fire in the fireplace, it must be cared for and stoked or the embers will cool and fade.
Sustaining our zeal for Christ’s honor and reliance on his wise care is hard work, yet Flavel is adamant that God’s exertion is the key: only by his regenerating, empowering hand can the heart be nurtured and thrive. So the duty is ours, but the power is of God.
Even though the believer’s heart always faces temptations of sin and folly, Flavel notes that there are special “seasons” in which keeping the heart requires our utmost diligence. Such as:
- Prosperity. When creature comforts come our way, the heart is apt to grow secure, proud and earthly. “Outward gains are ordinarily attended with inward losses.” “The heart may be kept humble by considering of what a clogging nature earthly things are to a soul heartily engaged in the way to heaven.”
- Adversity. Keep your heart from repining against God. Our hardships are God’s “cross-providences” to pull down pride and worldly security. Nothing grieves the Lord more than our “groundless and unworthy suspicions of his designs.”
- Other seasons of danger include: times of fear, timidity and anxiety (but recall: God Almighty is also your loving Father); amidst devotion (Satan longs to lure you away from prayer and God’s Word); and in episodes of doubt and darkness (but let distress drive you to God, not away from him).
Are you vigilant in guarding your heart? Nothing matters more!
