From the DAWGHouse…
“You Take It to Heart“
If you’ve been around Pastor Pete Alwinson for any length of time, you will invariably hear him conclude a talk with the phrase “You take it to heart.” But what exactly is Pastor Pete asking us to do when he says, “Take it to Heart”? Taking something to heart is an expression that means more than just listening. It means absorbing something deeply, letting it shape our thoughts, emotions, and actions. But from a biblical perspective, taking something to heart carries even greater significance. It’s about internalizing truth, living by it, and allowing it to transform us from the inside out.
In Scripture, the heart is more than just an organ; it represents the core of a person’s being – their will, emotions, and understanding. Proverbs 4:23 remind us: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
As Pastor Pete has taught us, what we take to heart shapes our beliefs, decisions, and ultimately our destiny. When we take God’s Word to heart, we are not merely hearing it; we are letting it take root, grow, and bear fruit in our lives. In Deuteronomy 6:6, Moses instructs the Israelites: “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.”
God’s truth was never meant to remain external – something heard and forgotten. It was meant to be written on the heart, cherished, and obeyed. Jesus echoes this in the New Testament when He warns against those who honor God with their lips while their hearts are far from Him (Matthew 15:8). The difference between superficial faith and true faith is whether we take God’s Word to heart.
However, while we are called to take God’s truth to heart, Scripture also warns about taking the wrong things to heart. In Ecclesiastes 7:21-22, Solomon gives this wisdom: “Do not take to heart everything people say, or you may hear your servant cursing you – for you know in your heart that many times you yourself have cursed others.”
The world is filled with voices – criticism, fear, and deception. If we take these things to heart instead of God’s truth, we allow anxiety, bitterness, or discouragement to rule us. Jesus reminds us that where our treasure is, there our heart will be also (Matthew 6:21). If our treasure is the opinions of man rather than the truth of God, our heart will be led astray.
Ultimately, the call to take things to heart is a call to transformation. Ezekiel 36:26 gives a beautiful promise: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.”
Through Christ, we receive a new heart – one that is softened to God’s Word and responsive to His Spirit. When we take the gospel to heart, we don’t just believe in Jesus intellectually; we are changed by Him, living in obedience and love.
Men of Forge, every day, we are taking something to heart, whether it’s God’s truth or the worries of the world. The question is, what is shaping your heart? Are you allowing God’s Word to dwell richly in you (Colossians 3:16), or are you letting fear, doubt, and worldly distractions take up residence?
God calls us to take His promises, His love, and His commands to heart. When we do, we will live with a steadfast faith, anchored in His truth, and reflecting His glory to the world. “My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart.” – Proverbs 3:1
You Take it to Heart!
Joe Bouch
