Battle of the Heart: What Controls You?

The Battle of the Heart: What Controls You?

Deep within every individual, a silent yet fierce battle rages. It's not a clash of physical forces or political ideologies; it's the relentless struggle for the sovereignty of your heart. This conflict, though unseen, carries profound implications for your life, relationships, and spiritual journey. Jesus directly confronted this in Matthew 6:21 when He proclaimed, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." These words beckon us to delve deeper into our hearts and scrutinize what truly commands our attention, affection, and desires.

But what does it mean for something to "control" your heart? And how can we identify what is holding us back? Let's explore this spiritual principle further and align our hearts with God's will.

What Is Your Treasure?

Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6:21 challenges us to ask ourselves a foundational question: What is my treasure? The "treasure" Jesus refers to could be material wealth, success, relationships, status, comfort, or security. These things aren't necessarily bad, but when they become the primary focus of our lives, they take the place that rightfully belongs to God.

In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to be consumed by the pursuit of more. More money, more accomplishments, more recognition. However, these things, as fulfilling as they may seem at first, often leave us empty over time. Our hearts can be pulled in different directions—toward things that promise fulfillment but fail to deliver lasting joy or peace.

It's crucial to pause and introspect: What do I value most? What is consuming most of my thoughts, time, and energy? This is a pivotal step in discerning where your treasure truly lies.

The Condition of Your Heart

In biblical terms, the heart represents the core of who we are—our emotions, desires, will, and motivation. It's not just about what we think or feel on the surface but what drives us at our deepest level. When Jesus talks about the heart, He's talking about our inner self—the part of us that chooses what we ultimately live for.

Proverbs 4:23 advises, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." The heart is like the command center of our lives. Our actions, priorities, and decisions will follow suit if it's oriented toward the wrong treasure.

So, what is your heart's condition? Is it full of anxiety, striving for more, or seeking validation from the world? Or is it aligned with God, trusting Him to meet your needs and guide your life? Taking stock of where your heart stands can reveal whether you are living in line with your faith or being pulled off course by worldly distractions.

The Pull of Materialism vs. the Call of Faith

Modern life amplifies the struggle between materialism and faith in many ways. Our culture encourages us to find our worth in what we own, how much we achieve, or the image we project to others. Success is often measured by wealth, status, or social influence. But the Bible offers a counter-cultural message: our true treasure isn't found in these things but in God.

Jesus instructs us in Matthew 6:19-20, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven." Earthly treasures are transient; they can be taken from us or deteriorate over time. But treasures stored in heaven—like love, faith, kindness, and obedience to God—endure eternally.

It's okay to have material possessions or strive for success. But when these things become the central pursuit of our lives, they can easily pull our hearts away from God. The more we invest in the things of this world, the less room we leave for the things of God.

How to Align Your Heart with God?

So, how do we ensure that God, and not earthly treasures, controls our hearts? Here are a few steps to help realign your focus:

1. Prioritize Time with God: Make intentional time for prayer, Bible reading, and reflection. The more time you spend with God, the more you will begin to desire what He desires for you. When you connect with Him regularly, you create space for Him to transform your heart.

2. Give Generously: Giving is one of the most practical ways to loosen materialism's grip on your heart. Whether giving to your church, a charity, or someone in need, generosity shifts your focus from accumulating wealth to serving others. Jesus said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35). Giving reminds us that our treasure is in heaven, not here on earth.

3. Examine Your Attachments: Periodically, take stock of your life and examine where your strongest attachments lie. Are you overly attached to material success, recognition, or comfort? If so, ask God to help you loosen your grip on these things and refocus your attention on Him.

4. Seek Contentment in Christ: True contentment does not come from having everything we want but from trusting God with everything we need. Paul writes in Philippians 4:11-12, "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need and what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any situation." Contentment comes when we trust that vision is enough and that our ultimate joy is found in Him, not in the fleeting treasures of this world.

The Heart That God Desires

Ultimately, the battle of the heart is about much more than what we have or don't. It's just who or what sits on the throne of our lives. God wants your heart fully, not just a portion of it. He desires that your greatest treasure be Him, not the things of this world.

In Ezekiel 36:26, God promises, "I'll give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh." When we surrender our hearts to God, He begins the transformative work of making us more like Christ—softening our hearts toward Him and aligning our desires with His.

As you reflect on Matthew 6:21, ask yourself: *What truly has my heart? If it's God, it's too late to redirect your focus. In the ongoing battle of the heart, God is ready to help you choose Him as your treasure. Trust that when your heart belongs to Him, you will experience the peace, purpose, and joy that comes from living a life fully centered on Him.