It has been rightly said, “The heart of the matter is a matter of the heart.” The output and the outcome of our lives are not determined by external causes, such as our environment or upbringing. They are not determined by physical causes, such as diseases and disorders. Those things certainly influence our lives but do not ultimately determine what we think, say, or do. What we think, say, and do are determined by the condition of our hearts. If our heart is right, our life will be right. If our heart is wrong, our life will be wrong.

While we tend to focus on undesirable external behaviors as being the problem, the bigger problem is what happened in the heart that brought about that behavior. If our heart is ruled by sinful attitudes and affections, then sinful actions will result. If our heart is ruled by holy attitudes and affection, then righteous actions will result.

To correct your sinful behavior, you must correct the heart condition that caused it. This requires repentance and renewing of the heart. To prevent sinful behavior, you must guard your heart against external sinful influences and internal sinful tendencies. To ensure righteous behavior, you must enthrone God in your heart and keep His word “in the midst of thine heart.” (Proverbs 4:21)