Watch your heart!
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ChatGPTAs I get older, I spend increasing amounts of time trying to remember everything I want to tell my doctor during my next appointment. I see my primary care physician every six months for a major physical and a follow up. I had my follow up a few weeks ago. I mentioned that I was experiencing low-grade pain in my heart area. I wasn't exhibiting any of the classic signs of a potential heart attack. I guessed it might be muscles or nerves near my heart. My doctor, as you can imagine, takes heart issues extremely seriously, especially in men of my vintage! He wanted to make sure everything was fine.
While I was at his office, he had me take an EKG test and performed a chest X-ray. The results of both appeared normal. He also referred me to a cardiologist. I was pretty sure it was nothing serious, but it seemed wise to consult a specialist. The cardiologist had me take a test that examines my heart valves. That test would reveal whether I was in danger of having a heart attack. Unfortunately, heart disease is the leading cause of death for men my age. Sometimes heart attacks catch people completely by surprise. In other cases, they are preceded by tell-tale symptoms.
The good news was that the test showed that my heart was in good shape. The bad news was that it was expensive. Yikes! After I got past the sticker shock, I decided the price was worth it. Certain things should never be taken lightly or carelessly. I have a demanding schedule and lots of responsibilities. I need to be sure my heart can handle the demands I put on it. Having an expert take a close look at my heart helped me to know, not just assume, its condition.
Interestingly, the cardiologist had no idea why my heart has been hurting. The discomfort could be caused by muscles or nerves, but that's not his domain. As long as my heart is functioning properly, he's not concerned about secondary issues. We could look at our emotional "heart" the same way. As the prophet Jeremiah observed of the heart, "Who can understand it?" (Jer. 17:9). We experience both struggles and joys that we can only understand to a point.
My recent health journey has caused me to reflect on my "heart" condition. I have been in ministry for close to 40 years. That's a lot of wear and tear on my emotions and attitudes. Many of my friends and colleagues have long since left the ministry. Some burned out. Others grew bitter or angry. A few succumbed to temptation.
I have no doubt that when they began, each one assumed they would enjoy a lifetime of ministry. Nevertheless, some allowed ungodly thoughts to seep in. Others neglected the spiritual exercises that would have kept their heart healthy. Several were wounded by people's cruelty and quit.
We tend to assume young ministers need a major heart exam to determine whether they are fit to serve in the ministry. But I have found that as you get older and gain experience, you need another major heart check-up.
I have spoken with veteran leaders whose hearts became cynical after years of working with people. Others grew indifferent after failing to achieve the results they had envisioned in their youth. Some, after facing persistent criticism, opposition, and spiritual assaults, allowed their hearts to calcify and toughen.
Ministry is a heart-based profession. To serve God effectively, you must love people. And love is costly. It can be exploited, rejected, or abused. Over time, such treatment takes a toll.
Just as my doctor encouraged me to be proactive in caring for my physical heart, we also ought to nurture our spiritual heart. We must ensure we are getting adequate rest and spending time with people who make us laugh. We should also take time to notice and celebrate God's activity around us. It's easier to persevere when we recognize that God is working in, through, and around us.
Conversely, we must learn to recognize warning signs that our heart is becoming unhealthy. It's a red flag if we find ourselves losing hope and joy. If bitter, cynical words flow out of our mouth, we ought to be alarmed. If we experience frequent conflicts, something is wrong. Like our physical heart, there are often signs if our heart is struggling. It's always best to address problems early before they become chronic.
Before moving to the Deep South, I had always lived in the west or north. But within a year of relocating to South Carolina, a state where biscuits and fried food are plentiful, my cholesterol rose to the highest level it had ever been. The culture in which I was immersed presented serious obstacles to maintaining a healthy heart!
I'm afraid today's culture is also at odds with our spiritual hearts. Society is extremely polarized, and we are constantly encouraged to be mad at people with whom we disagree. Social media bombards us with stories designed to make us angry and cynical. People say offensive things. Just as you can't eat biscuits and gravy for breakfast every morning without feeling the consequences, we can't immerse ourselves in today's culture without paying a price. We must guard our heart! Our life and ministry depend on it.
What can we do?
We can invite God to reveal anything in our heart that's unhealthy (Ps. 139:23-24). We can also fast from activities that stir up negative emotions and instead engage in activities that strengthen our heart. We can spend time with people who have a pure heart. We can be proactive!
When was the last time you had your heart examined? Have you undergone a stress test? Have you checked for blockages? Is it giving you some warning signs? Don't wait until something catastrophic occurs. Guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
 | Richard Blackaby is the president of Blackaby Ministries International and lives in Georgia. He travels internationally speaking on spiritual leadership in the home, church, and marketplace as well as on spiritual awakening, experiencing God, and the Christian life. Richard regularly ministers to Christian CEOs and business leaders. He has written or co-authored 33 books . This article was first published on RichardBlackaby.com. Used with permission from Blackaby Ministries International. Learn More » |
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