‘Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. ‘ Proverbs 4:23
Guard: to tend to carefully; a defensive state or attitude; the act or duty of protecting or defending. Merriam Webster Online Dictionary
During a sermon, our pastor was speaking about the shows we watch on TV. He asked us to think about the content of our favorite shows. Do we “overlook” the strong language and violence? Do we think it will not affect us?
I told myself that it was no big deal, I can overlook a violent scene or two, it is just a TV show. No big deal …. or is it?
I like to solve puzzles and I am intrigued by forensic shows. Unfortunately, in order to solve the puzzles, something violent has to have happened. Usually, someone is murdered. Even though the forensic science used to solve the crime is fascinating, the crime does upset me. I can not overlook the pain and suffering to an innocent person and their loved ones.
Was I guarding my heart? Was my heart becoming immune to cruelty and suffering? For that reason, I had to adjust my TV preferences. I do not want to become immune. I want to continue to have compassion. I want kindness and love to flow from my heart. I don’t want to begin to feel it is okay to be hurtful to others.
“Your beliefs become your thoughts,
Gandhi
Your thoughts become your words,
Your words become your actions,
Your actions become your habits,
Your habits become your values,
Your values become your destiny.”
Each day, I have to remind myself to guard my heart.
