Garbage In, Garbage Out

Those of us who work with computers are familiar with the phrase, “Garbage in, garbage out.” If we want to print accurate reports, we must enter accurate data. Results produced are only as good as the information entered. The same is true in our lives. To live godly, productive lives, we must protect our hearts so that only good enters in. Proverbs 4:23 tells us, “Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.” (NASB). The NKJV says, “. . . for out of it spring the issues of life.”

Out of the heart flow the issues of life. Whatever is important to you (what is in your heart) will show in your outward life, in one way or another, for the world to see. It may be hidden for a while, but it will eventually be revealed by your words and actions. When a cup is filled beyond what it can contain, it overflows. In the same way, whatever fills the heart will eventually overflow in our lives. Matthew 12:34 says “. . . for the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart.” (NASB)  Luke tells us, “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” (6:45, NKJV) What is inside of us flows out of us and affects other lives, for good or evil.

If is really not difficult to discover what is in a person’s heart. Just listen to their words. What is important to an individual is revealed by the words they speak. “But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man.” (Matthew 15:18, NASB) We are mistaken if we think that we can keep secret what we have taken into our hearts.

How do we guard our hearts? First, become aware of the fact that everything we see, hear and think enters the heart. It concerns me that some Christians seem to believe it does not matter what they allow into their minds and hearts, when the Word of God clearly teaches it is of utmost importance. The scripture I quoted above from Proverbs says guard your heart with all diligence. Diligence is defined as constant and earnest effort to accomplish what is undertaken.

The Amplified translation states it this way: “Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life.” This tells me that nothing is more important in my life than guarding my heart. Our enemy is using every means possible to destroy us. It is imperative that we constantly and earnestly guard (or protect) our hearts.

If necessary, make changes in your life to prevent evil from entering your heart. Paul admonishes us, “whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Phil. 4:8).  If the things that we watch or listen to do not meet this criteria, we need to change what we see and hear. And then, it is important to replace what we have previously focused on with things that are pleasing to God.  We are able to center our minds on good things by receiving the Word of God through regular reading, study, and meditation.

And of course, we must not forget to add prayer, asking God to purify our hearts. “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10) This is a prayer He is more than willing to answer.

These steps will bring about change on the inside, and the change will be revealed by our outward attitude and actions.

Father, I want You to be pleased with what is in my heart. Help me to be ever mindful that whatever is inside of me will flow out of me, and that what I say and do affects those around me for good or evil. Give me a pure heart that my life may touch others in a positive way.