Heart (Following and Guarding)
“QUESTION: What is the most important thing in one’s spiritual life? ANSWER: To guard the peace in our hearts. Do not let this peace be disturbed at any cost. Peace should reign in our hearts—peace and silence.” (Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnica)
“Worldly wisdom says to “follow your heart”, while biblical wisdom says to “guard your heart.” Be very aware of what images, thoughts, or emotions you allow to enter into your heart. Govern the heart because it is swayed by emotions, thoughts and images, some of them false, which enter into it. The heart is a valuable way to know the world, but not necessarily the best tool for discernment. Our prayers are supposed to be done with the mind in the heart – with both reason and fervor, but the two have to work together for us to be able and willing to do God’s will.” (Fr. Ted Bobosh)
“The mind is the servant of the heart, and our heart is our life. If the mind leads the heart to truth, to peace and joy, then it fulfills its calling, which means it is truth. If, on the contrary, it leads it to doubt, anxiety, languor, despondency and darkness, then it shuns its purpose and is certainly false. The human mind is in complete slavish submission to the heart and fulfills all its impure aspirations and desires. Therefore, people sin despite the consciousness that they’re doing wrong and despite the desire to be guided by truth and goodness. It’s quite difficult to know truth and goodness; otherwise, all people would be righteous and kind. Mistaken are those who don’t realize that truth and goodness are also known by the heart, which guides the will of man—not reason.” (St. Seraphim Chichagov)
“Judas had long harbored the intent to betray Christ. The Lord’s terrifying warnings did not touch his heart. Instead of stopping on the dangerous path he had embarked upon, Judas followed it with even greater boldness. And here is the most horrible thing: After the satanic thought, Satan himself enters Judas’ heart, which remained open. A hidden thought, a hidden sin, is an “ambassador” that prepares the way for Satan who enters the heart and takes total control of it. After that, the individual is just an absolutely possessed and powerless companion, a cursed tool in the hands of the spirit who was a murderer from the beginning (cf. Jn. 8:44).” (St. Constantin Sârbu)
“The heart is the beginning and the root of all our doings. It is with the heart that we either believe or don’t believe; it is with the heart that we love or hate, humble ourselves or fill ourselves with pride, endure things or grumble about them, make peace or quarrel, turn towards God or distance ourselves from Him; it is our heart that either blesses or curses…Many of us lock our hearts to God. He stands outside the door and patiently knocks—will they open to Him? Will they let Him in? It is God knocking: “I am giving you all this, only repent, turn to Me, open to Me, let Me in, and I will give you what no one else ever can.” Blessed are those who hear the knock and open the door, welcoming God into their lives, making Him, through the steady climb of spiritual ascent, the Master, the Lord of their being.” (St. Tikhon of Zadonsk, Artemy Slezkin)
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