by Martha June

In Church, I learned a song as a little girl: “Be careful little eyes what you see, oh be careful little eyes what you see, for the Father up above is looking down with love, oh be careful little eyes what you see.” It continued with, “Be careful little feet where you walk…Be careful little ears what you hear…Be careful little, mouth what you say….” Even as a young child, I learned the importance of guarding myself against evil. Though at the time, I wouldn’t have been able to articulate it.

In the book of 1 Chronicles, the Bible has recorded various genealogies. These beginning chapters highlight the placement of people within their family records and to whom they are connected. Some chapters even highlight the “post” of these people and their jobs within the nation. 

“So all Israel was recorded in genealogies, and these are written in the books of the Kings of Israel. And Judah was taken into exile in Babylon because of their breach of faith. Now the first to dwell again in their possessions in their cities were Israel, the priests, the Levites, and the temple servants.”

1 Chronciles 9:1-2

There is one job in particular that has encouraged and challenged me, and that is the job of the gatekeeper.

“…for the four chief gatekeepers, who were Levites, were entrusted to be over the chambers and the treasures of the house of God. And they lodged around the house of God, for on them lay the duty of watching, and they had charge of opening it every morning.”

1 Chronicles 9:26-27

From the Old Testament to the New Testament, where God dwelled changed dramatically. First, it was in the Garden; then it was in a tabernacle, then the temple, up until the New Testament. Once Jesus came on the scene, died, and was resurrected. His Spirit was given to dwell in the hearts of his people. There was no longer a building you had to be in to meet God. Instead, his Holy Spirit could reside permanently in the hearts of his followers.

The Bible tells us that our Body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. Have you ever read of the tremendous care taken in erecting the temple? And maintaining it? It was a huge deal to build a house where God would live among men, and it should be just as big of a deal that he lives in our hearts! 

This will be unpopular, but are you careful what your eyes see? Your mouth says? And where your feet walk? I think it can be easy to say that anything flies once you have the Holy Spirit. As if somehow, we are untouchable. I would argue that you have discernment once you have the Holy Spirit. To know when to walk away, when to switch the radio, and what movies to avoid. Even as adults, who can “handle it.” Are you treating your heart like a temple? Are you careful to keep it holy? No longer do we have Levites in charge of maintaining the temple. No, that job is yours. You are the gatekeeper of your own heart, as am I for mine. And a gatekeeper can’t sleep on the job. Instead, he must remain alert at all times. 

Lastly, it was their job to open the temple every morning. The Bible does not give us rules for when to have our quiet time. But I think this verse is a good argument. What goes in must come out, for, from the heart, the mouth speaks (Proverbs 4:23). Why not put the good in first, and let that be what comes out the rest of the day? It’s’ worth a shot, wouldn’t you say?

Sincerely,

MJ