ESOCS Devotional 16 March 2022
TEXT: PROVERBS 4:23-25
MEMORY VERSE: “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4: 23 KJV
0 And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. 11 But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing. 12 When the day began to wear away, the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; for we are in a deserted lace ”
From our text, we read of the principles that lead to abundant life. The eyes, ears, heart, body, mouth, are areas that are capable of taking us off diligence and we offend God. No doubt, the Bible warned us not to love the world and the things that are in it (1 John 2:15-17). We are also advised to tame our tongue (James 1:26). So, Solomon advised us to keep our heart with all diligence, making sure we concentrate on those desires that will keep us on the right path.
In heeding to Solomon’s counsel, we must make sure that our affections push us in the right direction. We should put boundaries on our desires: we must not go after everything we see, say everything we see and hear, or look at everything we see, etc. Self-restraint is the best therapy (Matthew 18:8-9). Furthermore, we must be focused and keep our eyes fixed on our goal (salvation through Jesus Christ); no side attractions (frivolities) which have no spiritual values; rather, they lead to temptation. We must avoid them all.
The heart is powerful. As a person thinks in his heart, so he behaves (Proverbs 23:7). Once we are committed to the right track, we must not turn from left to the right. Our thoughts can lead to words, our words to action, and our action to behavior.
In our world today, there are so many tantalizers so appealing, and begging for attention. Remember, Solomon had it all, saw it all, and enjoyed it all. So, let us heed his advice.
- Are you carried away or tempted to be carried away by things of this world?
- Ask God to give you the power of self-control.
Read Other ESOCS Devotional here
FURTHER READING: Matthew 5:28-30; Mark 9:47
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ESOCS Devotional 16 March 2022
