Matters of The Heart 101

The heart is one our most critical organs. It was designed in a way that our entire body and its proper functioning depend solely on our heart's condition. From our breathing to proper blood pressure and brain function, our hearts are the key to everyday functions. The moment the heart beats out of its natural rhythm it affects everything else. 

What I shared is some of my understanding from a basic Human Biology course I took in college. But what I found most interesting about the importance of our physical heart is the parallel to our spiritual heart as followers of Jesus. There are so many scriptures in the Bible that reference our hearts. Proverbs 4:23 however, sums up the very idea of our heart being the center of all we do:

"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."

Everything that we think in our minds, the things we say with our mouths and act out with our body all start within the heart as a small seed. If you have ever grown a garden or watched someone farm, you will notice that they make sure to plant the proper seeds for the outcome they desire. The law of harvest tells us that what we put in the ground is what we will get when the seed grows and God says it as well in Galatians 6:7. 

"Don't be misled-- you cannot mock the justice of God.
You will always harvest what you plant."

From a biology standpoint, we know that when we choose vegetables over fried foods, exercise regularly, and let go of stressors and what we can't control, we help our heart to function at its best. In the same way, there are things that we can all do for our heart's spiritual health. Although we may know what to do for our physical heart,  what are we sowing into our heart spiritually? Have we dismissed our behaviors or thoughts as "that's just how I am/think" because we lack awareness of what is in our hearts? 

Every Saturday in February, in honor of American Heart Month & Valentine's Day, I will be sharing ways we can guard our hearts spiritually and physically so that we can function at our best! I hope you will join me as we work together on becoming our best in mind, body and spirit!