Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.
--Proverbs 4:23
A man in the Northeast brought five art glass vases to be appraised at one of those traveling antique shows that are broadcast on many public television stations. The vases had come into this man’s possession from a relative’s estate. He didn’t seem excited about the pieces, even though they carried the name “Tiffany” on their bases. He even called them ugly.
If you know anything about Tiffany glass, you can probably guess what happened. The appraiser confirmed that all five pieces were genuine, the work of the famous art glass designer, Louis C. Tiffany. The expert placed their collective value at $13,000, including $3,000-$4,000 apiece for the two larger vases.
Even then, the man acted rather blasé, showing little reaction or emotion. But it was obvious he was surprised at the value of the vases.
This man’s reaction was a sharp contrast to an earlier program on which a mother and daughter brought a Tiffany lamp for appraisal. They knew the lamp was special, and as the appraiser raved about its perfect condition they got more and more excited.
The appraiser finally asked the women if they had any idea of the lamp’s value, but they just grabbed each other and held on breathlessly. When he announced that their lamp would probably sell for between $85,000 and $125,000 at auction, the mother burst into tears. She looked as if she were going to faint.
The difference between these events is obvious. The lamp owners knew they had something very precious, and they acted accordingly. You and I are also in possession of something extremely valuable, even if we’re not fully aware of its value. That precious possession is our heart, which in the Bible stands for all that we are in the inner life. We are encouraged to exercise great care and protection over our hearts.
Whether in a relationship with a possible mate, close friend, mutual acquaintance, or someone else…watch your heart. Keep it safe, for God has given you a precious getaway through your heart. When you lay your head on your pillow at night and it’s just you and your thoughts…that’s when you can reveal your heart only to God and rest assured that it will be protected.
YOUR HEART IS THE MOST PRIVATE PLACE IN THE WORLD—THE PLACE WHERE YOU FEEL, DREAM, MAKE DECISIONS, AND MEDITATE ON ETERNAL
THINGS. KEEP IT SAFE!