Young kids are typically taught right from wrong. And there’s a general expectation of obedience without much consideration of the child’s inner world. Perhaps this is fine as he initially learns the way in which he should walk, but a neglected heart is unguarded, and eventually becomes lost. And mere moral obedience is soon no longer enough to prevent the damage this will cause throughout his life and relationships.
We’re wisely taught to guard our heart above all else because the essence of our life flows from it. And often we assume this means simply keeping ourselves from blatant immorality and sin. But while we might avoid becoming the prodigal son, we become the older brother with a neglected heart all the same.
Of course, maturity calls for us to discipline ourselves and to avoid carelessly indulging in the sinful pleasures of this life. But we must do so with our hearts still intact and fully alive. And we invite a heart of bitterness when life is just about doing the right thing without also learning to freely enjoy the deep pleasures God has to offer.
As such, while we might never openly adopt a “prodigal lifestyle,” we’re prone to many secret sins and guilty pleasures. Publicly we maintain our image of righteous obedience, but privately all sorts of indulgences tempt us as our desperate hearts cry out for relief and some taste of life. And this double life eventually takes a toll on us and all those we love.
Unfortunately, our repentance is often back to a life of neglecting our heart. We redouble our efforts at righteous living and putting accountability in place to keep us from our sinful pleasures. But this only maintains the cycle when we’re not also bringing the deep desires of our heart into the light to honor and celebrate appropriately.
In the end, it’s important to know and do the right thing. But don’t neglect your heart along the way. Guard your heart, and diligently care for it, to experience the fullness of life God has for you.
