"[The Hebrews] also saw the heart as the seat of thought whereas we see the brain as the seat of thought. To the ancient Hebrews the heart was the mind including all thoughts including emotions. When we are told to love God with all our heart (Deut 6:5) it is not speaking of an emotional love but to keep our emotions and all our thoughts working for him."
The author goes on to describe the way the word is illustrated: with a shepherd's staff and the floor plan of a tent dwelling. The heart is the place where authority is exercised over those that dwell within it. The thoughts and emotions are shepherded and taught to submit to the person whose heart it is. Next the Scriptures command us to point that disciplined heart toward God and his service.
Self-control is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. We've been talking a lot about the Holy Spirit in church lately. Reading in Galatians Paul draws the contrast between the Law (which has only the power to punish) and the Spirit (who offers new power to actually change). Our hearts (our thoughts and emotions) are to be submitted to our own authority and then our own authority is to be submitted to God's ultimate authority. The Holy Spirit can give us the ability to do this.
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