9 Common Lies Christians BelieveSýnishorn

“Follow your heart.” How many times have we been handed this as a piece of good advice?

In seeking out help, wisdom, and guidance, we speak to loved ones, people we look up to and respect, or even professional counselors, and many of these conversations end with the same sort of counsel: “At the end of the day, you just need to do what your heart tells you.” As though your heart is this infallible guide inside you that will never lead you astray. This advice makes you believe that your heart has a pre-programmed GPS that will always lead you in the right direction, will never get you lost, will thump inside you when you’re about to make a really bad decision, and will leap with joy to let you know when you’re about to make a great decision. Wow! That sounds nice, doesn’t it? If only it were true. 

In the Bible, the word heart represents the locus of our feelings, desires, and emotions. It also says this about the heart - “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). 

This is why I cannot follow my feelings, desires, and emotions. If I were to follow them, I’d be all over the map with my decisions. Unfortunately, if we are honest with ourselves, many Christians are just that—all over the map; completely lost in direction, stability, and functionality in their daily lives. 

To help you make decisions when asking those all-important questions (What career should I choose? Which school should I attend? With whom should I be in a relationship?), God has given you the greatest communicator of all time, Himself! Jesus has given you His Spirit. The Spirit (our helper), who now dwells inside you, speaks to you through His Word, the Bible. He leads you. Your feelings won’t be your guide; Jesus will. He is your never-failing GPS.

Questions for Reflection: 

Our world says, “Do what feels right.” Do you think this has damaged our culture? Why or why not? 

This is a great opportunity to think about your own story. Write your story of when you became a Christian (when Jesus gave you a new heart).

Truth: 

Don’t follow your heart. Follow Jesus.