Why Every Christian Should Conduct Regular Heart Checkups - January, 2025

“But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” — 1 Samuel 16:7

Our physical health requires regular checkups to ensure we’re functioning at our best. Similarly, our spiritual health demands routine evaluations—particularly of the heart. As Christians, our heart condition profoundly influences our relationship with God, our spiritual growth, and the fruitfulness of our lives. Let’s explore why every believer must prioritize regular heart checkups.

What Is Heart Checkup?

Heart checkup is the deliberate practice of examining, cleansing, and aligning our hearts with God’s will. Just as a car needs regular servicing to perform optimally, our spiritual hearts require consistent attention. This involves assessing our thoughts, intentions, and attitudes to ensure they reflect God’s holiness.

In Proverbs 4:23, we are reminded:

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

The heart is the spiritual control center of our lives. By conducting regular heart checkups, we protect ourselves from the influence of sin and ensure that our lives are pleasing to God.

The Significance of a Christian’s Heart

The Bible frequently emphasizes the importance of the heart. It is not merely an organ but the core of who we are—our will, emotions, and intellect. God doesn’t judge us by outward appearances; He evaluates the condition of our hearts (1 Samuel 16:7).

A pure heart enables us to enjoy intimate fellowship with God. Matthew 5:8 declares, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” On the other hand, an unclean heart can create barriers between us and our Creator, hindering our prayers and spiritual growth.

Belonging to a Christian Community like Deliberate Christian Bible Study and Prayer Chain is a way to commit to regular heart checkup. The Bible study and weekly exercises we engage in will challenge you to guard your heart.

How Our Heart Condition Affects Us

The state of our hearts impacts every aspect of our lives:

Our Relationship with God:

Psalm 24:3-4 asks, “Who may ascend the mountain of the LORD? Who may stand in His holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart.” Impure hearts can lock us out of God’s presence, no matter how good we appear outwardly.

Our Thoughts and Actions:

Proverbs 23:7 says, “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” Our thoughts originate in the heart, influencing our choices and behavior. A heart filled with envy, bitterness, or pride leads to sinful actions, while a heart filled with love, humility, and truth produces righteousness.

Our Witness to Others:

An unchecked heart condition can diminish our witness as Christians. Jesus said, “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45). Our words and deeds reveal the true state of our hearts.

How to Conduct a Heart Checkup

A Heart checkup is not a one-time event but a continuous process. Here are some practical steps:

Examine Your Heart Regularly

Take time to reflect on your thoughts, motivations, and attitudes. Are they aligned with God’s Word? Psalm 139:23-24 provides a powerful prayer: “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

Confess and Repent of Sin

When the Holy Spirit convicts you of sin, respond with humility. Confess your sins to God and ask for His cleansing. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

Meditate on God’s Word

Fill your heart with Scripture to renew your mind and transform your character. Psalm 119:11 says, “I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.”

Guard Your Heart Against Toxic Influences

Be mindful of what you allow into your heart through media, relationships, and daily interactions. Philippians 4:8 encourages us to dwell on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable.

Stay Connected to God Through Prayer

Prayer keeps your heart aligned with God’s. As you spend time in His presence, He reveals areas that need attention and strengthens you to overcome challenges.

The Danger of Neglecting Heart Checkup

Failing to have regular heart check ups can have serious consequences:

Spiritual Stagnation:

An unchecked heart becomes a breeding ground for sin, preventing spiritual growth.

Disconnection from God:

Impurity in the heart can sever our connection to God, making it hard to hear His voice.

Hypocrisy:

A neglected heart leads to a double life—outwardly righteous but inwardly corrupt, like the Pharisees whom Jesus rebuked (Matthew 23:27).

Missed Purpose:

An unhealthy heart can blind us to God’s plans, causing us to chase fleeting successes instead of eternal rewards.

Why Christians Should Conduct Regular Heart Checkup

Heart checkup isn’t optional; it’s essential for living a victorious Christian life. A heart aligned with God enables us to:

Enjoy Intimacy with God:

When our hearts are pure, we experience His presence and guidance more deeply.

Reflect Christ to the World:

A clean heart shines as a testimony to unbelievers, drawing them to the Savior.

Fulfill Our God-Given Purpose:

With a heart set on God, we can discern His will and walk in obedience.

Secure Eternal Rewards:

Maintaining a pure heart prepares us for eternity with Christ.

Final Thoughts

Regular heart maintenance is not a chore but a privilege. It’s an opportunity to grow closer to God and live out our faith authentically. As you go about your daily life, ask yourself: What thoughts have been racing through my heart? Are they drawing me closer to God or pulling me away?

Deliberate Christian Prayer

May the blood of Jesus cleanse us of all impurities, and may we not be rejected while the world celebrates us. Instead, let’s commit to being Deliberate Christians, faithfully guarding our hearts and keeping them pure for the glory of God.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” — Psalm 51:10

There are more prayers for Clean heart in the Deliberate Christian Prayer bank

Are you from Nigeria, Ghana, USA, UK, Canada etc? This "Why Every Christian Should Conduct Regular Heart Checkups" will help you learn, grow, and become a deliberate Christian before God.