The heart is most important when considering desires in life, what one may wish to become, or acquire. Have you ever had your heart set on something and there was almost no way to focus on anything else? Until of course time passes and your heart moves to the next craving. There is always something or someone vying for your heart; the list is almost endless: friends, the latest technological device, cars, even God is interested in your heart.

A person can be so “set in their ways” and difficult to change.  This is usually spoken in a negative context because a person is unwilling to change. However, setting your heart is one of the most important things you can do because it creates a determination to overcome obstacles.

Here is a very quick example from my own experience: I have determined to pedal my bicycle 3500 kilometres this year (about the distance the Tour de France riders do in 3 weeks). Without setting my heart on that goal, there are times I would simply choose not to ride, like when it is windy, raining or cold. The reality is that once I set my heart, I commit to ride despite the conditions.

The fact is our hearts need to be directed because there are so many things to distract us. Whether the goal is financial, spiritual  or health related, setting the heart creates a discipline that is necessary. What will we use as our compass to help us set our hearts properly? Biblical wisdom has been the best guide in my life. Consider just a few pieces of this wisdom:

-“If you direct your heart right (Job 11:13) … then you would rest securely” (v. 18). Our hearts can be directed.

-“Direct your hearts – He will deliver you” (1 Sam. 7:3). Obviously our hearts can shift, so we must intentionally direct or re-focus.

-“He did evil because he did not set his heart to seek God” (2 Chron. 12:4). Behaviour is usually negatively impacted when the heart is not set.

-If riches increase, do not set your heart upon them (Psalm 62:10). A financial increase can result in a shift in trust.

–Set your heart on things above, not on earthly things (Col 3:1). Here we see the importance of keeping an eternal perspective in this temporary life.

Think about setting your heart like calibrating an instrument. Why is calibration important? The accuracy of all measuring devices degrade over time. This happens because of normal use (wear & tear); sounds much like our lives doesn’t it? For an instrument to provide an accurate reading, calibration is necessary.  If the goal is to be effective in life regular calibration of the heart is a necessity. Take time daily to direct your heart!