What’s in the Heart of Man: The Core of Your Purpose and Passion
In the Hebrew language, the word for heart—lev (לֵב)—is far more than a physical organ. It is the epicenter of human existence, the seat of purposes, appetites, passions, and courage. The heart is where decisions are forged, desires are kindled, emotions are unleashed, and bravery is summoned. Scripture reveals the heart as both a sacred gift and a potential battleground. Proverbs 4:23 warns, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” When the heart is pure, it becomes a wellspring of life; when it is not, it can lead to ruin. Let’s explore the profound implications of lev and its dual nature—its capacity for greatness and its vulnerability to corruption.
The Seat of Purposes
The heart is where purpose is born. It is the command center for your intentions, dreams, and calling. In Psalm 37:4, we read, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” A heart aligned with God’s will becomes a fertile ground for divine purpose. When your lev is pure, it seeks God’s glory and pursues plans that honor Him. Think of David, whose heart was set on worship and leadership, earning him the title “a man after God’s own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14).
But an impure heart distorts purpose. Selfish ambition, pride, or greed can hijack your intentions. The prophet Jeremiah laments, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). A heart not surrendered to God may chase fleeting goals—wealth, status, or power—only to find emptiness. The negative consequence is a life misaligned, where purpose is squandered on what does not last.
The Seat of Appetites
The heart is also the seat of appetites, the driving force behind our cravings and desires. A pure heart hungers for righteousness, as Jesus declares in Matthew 5:6, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” When your lev is fixed on God, your appetites align with His kingdom—love, justice, and truth become your sustenance.
“You will not defeat demons if you cannot conquer cravings.”
Yet, an unguarded heart can be enslaved by unhealthy cravings. Lust, gluttony, or addiction can dominate when appetites are not disciplined. As I often say, “You will not defeat demons if you cannot conquer cravings.” The negative side of an impure heart is bondage—cravings that promise satisfaction but deliver chains. Consider Samson, whose heart was swayed by unchecked desires, leading to his downfall (Judges 16). An impure heart amplifies appetites that war against the soul, pulling you from God’s path.
The Seat of Passions
Passions—the emotions that surge within us—also reside in the heart. A pure heart channels emotions into worship, compassion, and zeal for God. The Psalms are a testament to this: “My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king” (Psalm 45:1). When your lev is anchored in God, your emotions fuel creativity, love, and devotion.
However, an impure heart can turn passions into chaos. Anger, envy, or fear can consume you when emotions are not submitted to God. James 1:20 cautions, “Human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” An unchecked heart breeds destructive emotions—bitterness that poisons relationships, jealousy that blinds you to blessings, or fear that paralyzes faith. The negative outcome is a heart ruled by fleeting feelings rather than divine truth.
The Seat of Courage
Finally, the heart is the seat of courage, the reservoir of boldness to face life’s battles. Joshua was told, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). A pure heart draws strength from God, enabling you to stand firm against adversity, speak truth, and pursue His calling without fear.
An impure heart, however, cowers. Doubt, shame, or guilt can sap courage, leaving you paralyzed. The Israelites’ fear at the edge of the Promised Land stemmed from hearts that doubted God’s faithfulness (Numbers 13:31-33). The negative consequence is a life of hesitation, where opportunities are missed, and faith is stifled by fear.
Guarding Your Heart
The dual nature of lev—its potential for glory or ruin—underscores the need to guard it diligently. A pure heart doesn’t happen by accident; it requires intentionality. Here are three biblical principles to cultivate a heart that honors God:
- Surrender to God’s Word: Psalm 119:11 says, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Scripture purifies your purposes, appetites, passions, and courage by aligning them with truth.
- Seek God’s Spirit: Ezekiel 36:26 promises, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you.” The Holy Spirit renews your lev, empowering you to overcome impure desires and emotions.
- Discipline Your Cravings: As I’ve said, “You will not defeat demons if you cannot conquer cravings.” Fasting, prayer, and accountability help tame appetites and strengthen your resolve.
The Call to Action
Your heart is the core of who you are. Will you let it be a wellspring of life, or will you allow it to become a battleground for impure desires? The choice is yours, but it begins with a decision to guard your lev and align it with God’s purposes.
I invite you to take the 45-Day Challenge, a transformative journey to purify your heart and strengthen your faith. Over the next 45 days, commit to daily Scripture reading, prayer, and fasting from one distraction or craving that pulls you from God. Journal your progress, seek accountability, and watch how God renews your purposes, appetites, passions, and courage. Visit our website to sign up and receive resources to guide you.
Your heart is worth guarding. Step into the challenge today, and let your lev become a beacon of God’s glory.
Neil Kennedy is the founder of FivestarMan and author of multiple books on authentic manhood. He is passionate about equipping men to live with purpose, passion, and courage.
