The Bible warns in Jeremiah 17:9, “The heart is more deceitful than anything else.” Harry Layden, director of a family counseling and evangelistic ministry in Tulsa, Oklahoma, says hindrances to the heart of a home include, among other things, blockages (blatant sin), departing hearts (turning from God), divided hearts (priorities in the wrong order), and broken hearts (family crises). The heart needs to be healthy or big problems will surely come. That’s why it must be guarded so carefully.

The Heart, Our Only Hope

Layden emphasizes, however, that the heart is the source of life for the family as well. The heart of a healthy family is a man who demonstrates fear of the Lord and integrity in every area of his life, a man who seeks to serve his family unselfishly.

When your heart leads you toward sin or rebellion against God, don’t give up or give in. Repent and return to a close walk with the Lord. Revive your commitment. Restore your integrity. God will strengthen your heart to do the next right thing.

Bottom Line

Check your heart condition today. Resolve to turn away from any sin or wrong attitudes and return to a right relationship with the Father.