What happened several weeks ago in London shocked the world.  Two men drove a car, knocked down a person who was walking along a street in London on a Wednesday afternoon, and then repeatedly stabbed the man to death.  The victim was a British soldier and apparently, these two killers wanted to avenge for Muslims killed during wars.  Not too long ago, during a marathon in Boston, two men exploded bombs as runners completed their race.  This bombing, apparently, too, was carried out with a similar intent.  These two acts have been classified as acts of terrorism.

Like me, you may wonder what caused these murderers to do what they did.  My purpose of writing this article is to highlight a fact: what we read, hear and see greatly influence us to become who we are.  I’m not saying that each of us is a potential terrorist.  Rather, I am citing this example of an extreme nature to bring across the point that what goes into our hearts have a deep seated influence on us.  The influence of what goes into our minds may vary in degree, but the fact remains: they can change us for better or for worse.

Thus, Proverbs wisely urges us saying: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Pro 4:23).

What is the best way to guard what goes into your heart?  A father once said to his son whom he loved dearly:

My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words.  Do not let them out of your sight; keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body.  Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.  (Proverbs 4:20-23)

The best way to guard your heart from ideas that can destroy your life is to put a wise and powerful guard that will guard the door to your heart: God’s Word.  The word of God, the Bible is a wise and powerful warrior.  He is capable of detecting enemies disguised as good people and exposing them.  Furthermore, he will drive that enemy of your soul away so that you will walk in ways that are holy, pleasing to God and that which will result in blessings from God.

But can’t good books, friends and people who love me also offer me good advice?  They can, but to a limited extent.  As much as these friends who offer advice to you have a good intention, they are fallible human beings.  Every human being has a sinful nature.  This sinful nature has spoilt every part of our life: our intellect, wisdom, emotion, and moral judgment.  As much as they would like to, they are far from perfect and are not able to offer you the best advice.  How can they?  They do not know the future and they do not know everything.  And the scariest thing is, sometimes people who love us advise us with a selfish intention.  The fact is: we are imperfect people and are incapable of giving people the best and perfect advice.  Only God’s Word the Bible can do that because God’s Word is without error and is totally reliable.

Hence, I urge you to be serious about your intake of God’s Word.  You must be disciplined in faithfully attending worship service, listening to Sunday sermons, reading your bible every day and memorising God’s Word.  Then, you will surely grow to become a blessed man and woman.