Have you ever had a tough decision to make in your life? One where you need to seek guidance from someone else? Sometimes you get great advice that really helps you decide. However, many people simply tell you to “follow your heart”. Seriously, follow my heart? There is just so much wrong with this statement. First of all, if I knew what my heart wanted me to do then I wouldn’t need to ask you.
More importantly, the Bible says that our hearts are deceitful. In fact, I think Jesus put it best when he was speaking with the Pharisees. They were questioning why the disciples did not wash their hands before eating, as was the custom. Jesus explains that it is not what enters in the mouth that defiles a person. But what comes out of the mouth, which in turn comes from the heart.
Matthew 15:18
18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.
Jesus then goes on to explain that pretty much all that is bad or non-christian comes from the heart.
Matthew 15:19
19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:
Is that really what you want to be leading your life? Helping you to make life’s biggest decisions? We need to realize that the heart is just flesh. So any desire of the heart would be that of the flesh. Of course, we know that our flesh is sinful we can see this fact in Galatians 5:19-21.
19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
I know it is hard to see the one organ the world has glorified and made a symbol of love. That has even become the spokesperson of an entire holiday. Described as inherently sinful in the Bible. So you may assume that this is just one verse where the heart is seen in this way. However, that is not the case.
For instance, when teaching about adultery and lust Jesus seems to say that one can commit a sinful action in their heart.
Matthew 5:28
28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
Genesis 6:5 tells us that God saw wickedness in man. And all that came from the people’s hearts was evil. So as we know God sent the flood to wipe out the people and their evil desires.
5 And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
I feel it is important to say our hearts are not all bad. Then can still be used to love and glorify God. We can see this clearly in the Bible as well. Take Matthew 22:37 which says to love the Lord with all thine heart.
37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
The point is that we should not follow our hearts because they will not lead to the things of God. In fact, they are more likely to lead us from God. Instead, when we are seeking guidance, we should ask the Lord to guide us on the right path.
Seeking guidance from the Lord is easy and can be done in a few ways. The one that stands out most is prayer. What we need most when trying to make a decision is wisdom. James tells us that if we need wisdom then we should just pray for it and God will provide.
James 1:5
5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
With prayer, we should also turn to the word of God. Psalm 119:105 says “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” The Bible has the ability to lead you through any situation in life. It is truly surprising how many answers can be found throughout the Bible if you are looking for them.
I hope this article has helped you to see that our hearts are not looking out for your best interest. The heart is simply an extension of the flesh that only leads to sin if allowed to call the shots. Choose to allow the Lord to lead you through life before anything else. Because as we know only God is truly working all things for your good.
The subject of the heart has been on my mind for some time and I am glad to finally get to put my beliefs on the subject down in writing. If you have found this article helpful please take a moment to share it on social media. It truly helps us reach more people with our messages.
Feel free to send any questions you may have to [email protected]. Also, don’t forget to stop by our prayer wall!
Visit Justin’s personal website Here. Or see articles from other writers we feature Here