Follow your heart?


Most of us are told while growing up that we can do whatever our heart desires. Or, when we had major decisions to make, “Follow your heart.” Is this the correct, biblical, advice to give someone? What if you should not follow that advice? What if giving that advice is misleading our youth? What if that is one of the reasons for our societal morals decaying? God has a clear stance on this issue.
   
Jeremiah 17:9 (NIV)
“The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?”
Genesis 8:21 (NIV)
“….even though every inclination of the human heart is evil from childhood…..”

Throughout my life I have relied too much on my heart’s desire.  My heart has mislead me in many different circumstances, relationships, friendships, and deciding what to do in various situations through my life. Yet we so often hear, or even give this advice. We are quick to do what our heart tells us to do, even if we know in our minds that it is wrong. Why? Because we are born into sin.

Teaching our youth to follow their hearts is a very bad idea. We all want to think that we all have good hearts or children have good hearts. But that is not what Genesis 8:21 tells us. So then how are we to make decisions? Simple, follow God’s will. How do you know God’s will? Well you have to spend time with him, in prayer, studying his word, fellowshipping with other believers, and putting into action what we are commanded in the bible. Some things will be covered explicitly and some implicitly. Just like in human relationships, the more time you spend with God, the more you will know what he wants of you.

Challenge: Next time someone asks you for advice or you need advice, do not tell them or listen to someone saying, “Follow your heart.” Instead turn to God and his word to help determine the proper action.

“If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9 (NIV)

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