GUARD YOUR HEART WITH ALL DILIGENCE

Guard your heart from Eye-catching things of our present day.
“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23.
Many things we desire come as a result of what we saw and settle in our hearts. For this reason, the Bible says, “Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.” Proverbs 4:25.
This is a divine call to focus our attention on our heavenly journey. Looking back is dangerous. Remember Lot’s wife, Genesis 19:26. What we see has power to capture our heart more than what we hear because of the strong picture it will create in our mind. When this happens, it will distract our attention and eventually shift us from the faith. The Bible says when the woman saw that, Gen. 3:6. Again, David also saw the woman who was washing herself from the roof of his house and desired of her 2 Samuel 11:2. That was the beginning of their journey to the point of sinning against God. They saw it, desired it, and committed sin as a result.
In today’s world, a whole lot of eye-catching things are everywhere, calling the attention of the believers to get them distracted.
Here are the eye-catching things that may lure Christians away from God, backed up with scripture:
1. Social Media: Endless scrolling, likes, comments, and shares can distract from spiritual growth and quiet time with God.
“Be still and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46:10
2. Materialism: Attractive advertisements, luxury brands, and worldly possessions can shift focus from eternal treasures to temporary pleasures.
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.” Matthew 6:19
3. Entertainment: Engaging movies, TV shows, video games, and music can consume time and attention, leading to spiritual complacency.
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Colossians 3:2
4. Worldly Relationships: toxic friendships, romantic relationships, or peer pressure can sway Christians from God’s teachings and values.
“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common?” 2 Corinthians 6:14
5. Technology: Overindulgence in smartphones, gadgets, and digital tools can lead to addiction, isolation, and disconnection from God.
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” – Matthew 22:37
6. False Teachings: Misleading doctrines, cults, or watered-down gospel messages can confuse and lead Christians astray.
“Watch out for false prophets. By their fruit, you will recognise them.” Matthew 7:15-16
7. Pleasure and Instant Gratification: Tempting desires, instant gratification, and short-term pleasures can distract from long-term spiritual goals.
“Run from sexual immorality. God will judge all people’s secrets.” 1 Corinthians 6:18-20
8. Busyness and Stress: Overwhelming schedules, stress, and anxiety can crowd out quiet time, prayer, and Bible study.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
9. Comparison and Envy: Social media comparison, envy, and competition can lead to dissatisfaction, pride, and a focus on self rather than God.
“Let each one examine his own work…and not compare himself with somebody else.” Galatians 6:4
10. Secular Humanism: Philosophies emphasising human achievement, self-reliance, and worldly success can subtly shift focus away from God’s sovereignty and grace.
“For in him we live and move and have our being…we are his offspring.” Acts 17:28
In conclusion:
To avoid this, we need to stay focused on faith, guard our hearts with all diligence through God’s word, and set our affections on the things above.