Guard Your Heart

I saw 'Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.' It made me wonder about guarding and how much I do and don't do.
I have seen some areas of weakness as of late and even considered not going to a marriage seminar because of the stark reality of my shortcomings. I know I need all of God I can get and to surrender my ways for His but the shock was overwhelming how much I am still an infant. I'm holding on to the easy life. There is so little self sacrifice. I am still protecting myself from rejection, being hurt, and being wrong.
So guarding my heart more than likely needs improvement. Here's what I found:

• Proverbs 4:13 Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.

Guard instruction...written and spoken word of God. I have been doing better this year but I need to learn to stand on the Word. I need to believe it by living it. There is stuff God told me that I need to stand on too.

• Proverbs 13:3 He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.

Guard lips...what I say. I have to stop before I speak. I let this slip as of late and my wife has been letting me know.

• Proverbs 16:17 The highway of the upright avoids evil; he who guards his way guards his life.

Guard the way...what I do. I can do better. What programs/movies am I watching, conversations am I having, and time am I wasting? How many prayers have I neglected to pray?

• Luke 12:15 Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."

Guard against greed...what I own and want to own. How much money have I wasted on stuff that later I find out how dumb it was to buy? Do I need the newest, best, brand name, electronic item to make my life easier? By the time you get it home it needs an upgrade. I need to downgrade on earthly treasures and strive for heavenly treasure.

• Psalm 91:11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;

Praise God!!! Even when I'm stupid He's watching over me. I need to take an attitude that I'm protected and just obey God without worrying about the consequences. God's got my back!