What if the real secret to a strong relationship with God isn’t about doing more, but about guarding what matters most?
Most people assume relationships grow through big, bold actions. But what if the quiet, daily act of guarding your heart, mind, and actions is the true foundation?
Let me share a story. I have a friend of 40 years. Our unspoken rule? We never mention birthdays. No cards, no calls, not even a text are expected. It may sound unusual, but it works for two guys who became friends in high school. Now, it’s an inside joke where we say, “My birthday is coming up, be sure and don’t get me anything.” In all honesty, in our later years, we have broken that rule and sent a text.
The point is that every relationship has terms. In marriage, we make vows before witnesses. In friendship, we create our own agreements. And in our relationship with God, He sets the terms, rooted in His Word.
In Exodus 40, Moses places the tablets of the Ten Commandments, along with a pot of manna and Aaron’s rod that budded, into the Ark of the Covenant. These items weren’t just rules and arbitrary artifacts—they were “the testimony,” a formal statement of God’s basis of relationship with His people. The people of Israel agreed: “All that the Lord has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient” (Exodus 24:3, 7).
This act was more than symbolic. It was a public agreement to live by God’s terms. And when they failed, the sacrificial system in Leviticus provided a way back—a picture pointing forward to Christ.
We don’t obey rules to earn salvation. Salvation is God’s gift, by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. But genuine faith leads to a desire for obedience. God’s Spirit changes our hearts, giving us both the will and the ability to walk in His ways.
So, how do we walk in obedience to God’s testimony?
Guard your eyes:
“I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless. I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me.” (Psalm 101:3)
Also see: Job 31:1; Matthew 5:28-29
Guard your mind:
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8)
Also see: Proverbs 4:23; Romans 12:2
Guard your feet:
“Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure.” (Proverbs 4:26)
Also see: Psalm 119:105; Psalm 37:31; Proverbs 4:11-12
Guard your heart:
“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” (Proverbs 4:23)
Also see: Psalm 119:11
Guard your hands:
“And to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you.” (1 Thessalonians 4:11)
Also see: Ephesians 4:28; Proverbs 6:16-19
Guard your tongue:
“Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.” (Proverbs 21:23)
Also see: James 3:8-10; Ephesians 4:29
These aren’t just boxes to check. They’re invitations to deeper intimacy with God. When we guard what matters, we honor the terms of our relationship, not to earn His love, but because we already have it.
Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15, ESV)
Which “gate” do you need to guard more closely today? What’s one small step you can take to protect the intimacy of your relationship with God?
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