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A Programmable Heart

Almost every song, movie theme, and romance novel portrays the human heart as a receptacle into which circumstances create an effect. This is often called falling into or out of love, following one’s passion, or being true to oneself. In spite of the heart being called deceitful above all things (Jer 17:9), we are often encouraged to allow it to set the direction of our lives.

What perhaps is not as well known is our ability to control what our heart responds to.

Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.  -  Daniel 10:12

Daniel was one to take control of his own heart (Dan 1:8). Paul writes to the Colossians to set their affections on things above (Col 3:2). By this we can assume that it is within our control to select that to which our hearts will respond. This begins by consciously and intentionally seeing that to which we aspire as positive. Conversely we begin to see those things we wish to diminish as negative. This may require us to resist our natural selfish inclinations. For example, listening to someone who needs a friendly ear when we would rather do something else. If we place value on the needs of others, we can turn our heart towards the selflessness of love (1Cor 13:4-7).

Solomon wrote his son that he should incline his heart to getting understanding (Prov 2:1-5). One can feel a father’s heart for his son in Solomon’s words of exhortation. There is much that God would offer us if we would only put the effort into receiving it. The two biggest problems we face in attempting to realign our hearts is knowing what to do and doing it.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. - Philippians 4:8

Mastery of our thoughts is a good way to shift the inclination of our hearts (2Cor 10:5). Sharpening our senses to discern truth is also useful. It is difficult to consider changing that which we have always assumed to be satisfactory. If we can make honest assessments of that in us that is unsatisfactory, we are more likely to change. If we can begin to see emotions as that which allows us to enjoy life as well as serve to warn us of problems rather than that which can be stimulated to produce pleasure, we can begin to put them in their proper place.

Taking control of one’s own heart allows one to chart a course closer to God and less at the mercy of whatever circumstantial winds may blow our way. Much of our entanglement with the world comes from its appeal to our flesh through our heart. Being able to “set our affections on things above” helps disconnect a reflex attraction to the world. Here a better perception of truth can be helpful.

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. - Colossians 3:1

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