One of the most common sentiment’s in our culture today is to “follow your heart” or “be true to yourself” or “you are the master of your own destiny”. All of these sound appealing to some degree yet they possess within them a dangerous ideology that our self is at the center of our plans rather than God.

For Christians, we must remember that Jeremiah 17:9 says the human heart is “deceitful” and “desperately sick” and no one can understand it (including us). Therefore, to follow the advice to follow our heart is simply foolish. The Bible says our hearts deceive us - they lie to us - about what is true. The Bible says the heart is sick, or unhealthy, and no one can understand it. That means there is constant confusion, unhealthy emotions, and non-stop lies coming out of our hearts. If that is true, why in the world would we make our plans with the counsel of a deceitful and sick heart?

Church: don’t follow your heart; follow Jesus. While our feelings are real, they are not always true and/or reliable. God's Word is the only "true north" to find objective truth. Feelings are subjective; God's Word is objective. The Bible tells us that all Scripture (yes, even the Old Testament!) is the source of everything we need to know what to do, what to think, how to live, etc.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 says:
16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

These two verses teach many powerful truths! Primarily, we see that the entire Bible teaches us what is objectively true and binds our wandering mind and heart to the timeless truth of God’s Word. Scripture is also our source of correction because the Bible is the ultimate standard of truth (or plumbline) regardless of our feelings or circumstances. Lastly, Scripture is our the substance of our maturity and one of the primary means by which the Holy Spirit transforms us. Literally, we must be washed or cleansed by the Scriptures as John 17:17 teaches.

Biblically speaking, the proper response to the daily challenges of life (and emotions that accompany them) is to look upward, not inward.

We must discipline our minds and hearts to seek God and His truth as revealed in Scripture when our emotions overwhelm us. Emotions aren’t evil (they are created by God) but they are incredibly subjective, prone to change, and are a physical reaction to reality as we perceive it; not actual reality itself.

The video below is an excerpt from a sermon on Luke 22;31-34 when Jesus predicts Peter’s denial. In that story, Jesus tells Peter and the disciples that they should expect the attacks of Satan but encourages them that He is praying for them! This is a profound reminder that as we walk through life and don’t know what to do, or how to deal with our emotions, we can take great assurance and hope knowing Jesus is praying for us! In addition, as the video explains, not only is Jesus praying for us but so is the Holy Spirit!

Let that sink in for a second: Jesus (God the Son) and the Holy Spirit (God the Spirit) are interceding for us and praying for us in harmony God the Father!

As you wrestle with whatever life brings, remember that your heart will deceive you but God and His Word never will.

Remember that people, possessions, and positions will never satisfy but God always will.

Look upward - look to God. Look to His Word daily. Seek Him, remain in Him, trust Him, and let His truth define your life.

Watch the Full sermon

Don't Follow Your Heart - Follow Jesus!