GIGO

GIGO!  The early days of computer technology gave us that acronym. It stands for “Garbage In, Garbage Out!” In other words, whatever you put into the computer will determine what comes out of it; input determines output.

That’s basically what Jesus was saying in Matthew 12:34-35 when he said, “For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.  The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.”

Obviously, closely watching what goes into our heart is a critical matter.  That’s why other New Testament verses admonish us to be on guard…be watchful…be alert! In other words, we need to stand at attention and be ready to defend ourselves against anything that would influence our behavior toward evil.

Solomon says it even more foundationally: “Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that’s where life starts.” (The Message)  Our heart, which represents that unseen picture of who we really are—our thoughts, desires, habits, inclinations, patterns of behavior, feelings and affections—is truly ground zero in the battle for both who we are in the present and what we will become in the future.

What we allow into our heart will determine what we desire; what we desire will determine what we devote our lives to; what we devote our lives to reveals what we love; what we love determines what we worship; what we worship determines how we spend time and where we will spend eternity. As the physical heart pumps life-sustaining blood to the rest of our bodies, so the metaphysical heart pumps either a life-giving or life-draining force into our very being.  Garbage in, Garbage out!  Input equals output!  Out of the overflow…  That’s why your alertness to the matter of your heart is so vitally important.

Sow a thought, and you reap an act;
Sow an act, and you reap a habit;
Sow a habit, and you reap a character;
Sow a character, and you reap a destiny.
Charles Reade

Your Assignment, Should You Choose To Accept It:

Take a moment to evaluate your heart in this matter. How are you doing with the things that influence your heart?  What are the kinds of things you dwell on?  The kind of books you read?  The TV shows you watch?  The people you’re around?  Remember: GIGO!  It’s a universal law—so pay close attention to it.