In ministry we can spend a lot of time in preparation for what needs to be done … preparing a lesson or sermon, setting up a room, learning new skills, making sure everyone’s safe, etc. But, how much attention do we give to heart preparation? — our own hearts as well as the hearts of those we serve?
What is Heart Preparation & Why Value It?
Preparing our hearts is about sowing good into our lives. The good we need to sow into our lives is that which aligns with God and His Word. We’re talking about the heart qualities we need, not just what we do.
The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks. (Lk. 6:45)
Heart preparation is also about guarding our heart so it stays focused on the Lord. It’s about watching over or protecting our hearts, being careful we don’t sow into our lives those destructive, ungodly influences that block or hinder us from focusing on Him. We’re talking about being vigilant as well as diligent and intentional about what we sow into our hearts. We must always remember that we reap what we sow.
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. (Prov. 4:23)
God looks for people whose heart is right with Him (1 Sam. 16:7; Prov. 21:2). It’s what He values, so we should too.