There is so much going on in the world today – good and evil. With all the many choices of things to see and do, things vying to take one’s time, we are to be very careful of what we allow into our hearts and lives. We should not only protect our hearts, but also be aware of the kind of wisdom that we allow into our hearts. Why? The things that we allow into our hearts and minds are the foundation for the kind of life we live; the kind of person we become.

The first and most important thing a person should have in their heart is Jesus. How can Jesus be in one’s heart? Remember the time we can read of in the book of Mark where people brought their young children to Jesus. “13. And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. 14. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. 15. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. 16. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them” (Mark 10:13-16). Rebuked means “to rebuke without bringing any conviction of any fault.” When the disciples kept the children from Jesus, they did not mean anything, except to keep the children away from Jesus. Nevertheless, Jesus was displeased. Suffer means “allow to pass.” Jesus told people to bring the children to Him. He then wanted the people to receive (receive means “to accept an offer deliberately and readily”) the kingdom of God.

Understand the kingdom of God by the following: When the Pharisees asked Jesus when it should come, “And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation” (Luke 17:20). The words not with observation mean “you cannot see it with human eyes.” Jesus went on to say, “Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21). Within you means “it is located in your heart and affections; not external.” That is one reason we refer to being saved as “asking Jesus into your heart.” You cannot see it with your eyes. Jesus made a great sacrifice to take away one’s sin. This Gospel message is very straightforward – one must simply believe – just as a child does. To children, things are simpler, less convoluted. In other words, simply believe and receive without question – just like a child.

Understand how simple it is to become a Christian. “9. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 13. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:9-10, 13).

Be encouraged to consider your heart as the place a special treasure is kept – a place to be well guarded. Once Jesus is there, it would also be good to understand the importance of placing God’s Word into your heart (see Psalm 119:11: “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee”). It would be so much easier to make wise decisions if we would only take time to hide God’s Word in our hearts.

That is why the following verse is so important. “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23). Understand that keep means “guard; protect; preserve” and heart means “the center; the totality of man’s inner nature; the place where wisdom and understanding reside.”

Have you considered what you have allowed into your heart?