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A sharing by Helen Chang for this song:

I used to think that the warning of guarding one’s heart was for those who may have an unkind and selfish intention, but as for me, with all my weaknesses, my intention was generally quite acceptable, though not great. That was why I did not think it was a serious issue for me to guard against the possibility of being self deceived as taught in Jeremiah 17:9, “ The heart is deceitful above all things ….”

Interestingly there is a popular Chinese idiom: “What’s near cinnabar goes red, and what’s next to ink turns black.” How true it is! As my relationship with the LORD started to grow over the years, the reality of His holiness also began to show me more of my lack of holiness. While it may sound unpleasant and sad whenever my inner condition is shown to me by His Spirit, the process of cleansing and renewing is, in fact, encouraging as it allows me the privilege to draw closer to Abba Yahweh.

I find the secret lies in my not nurturing thoughts that would affect my heart in fearing the LORD. It’s not good enough just to think that if a thing is not wrong or sinful then why can’t I say or do it! Furthermore as I began to live by James 4:17, “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin,” I realised that I must respond to the moving of His Spirit regardless of my good intentions! How important it is for me to keep in mind that it is my actions that count (Romans 2:6). This being the case, no wonder we have to guard our hearts with all diligence as every action has its source from deep within our hearts!