We all have done things like starting a business with no business plan. Quitting a regular and somewhat satisfying job to get back to our millionaire dreams. For me decision making was always simple and fast. “Just follow the heart.” I never cared to think if it was right or wrong and I don’t allow myself to regret past decision or choices. This rule of thumb allowed me to make decisions which at times others thought were crazy and outrageous (at least I was happy). Following your heart is like a roller-coaster ride and we can safely admit we enjoy it.
While it may not be specifically true, the heart has been considered the seat of our emotions. Within the heart is located a still, small, voice that some refer to as our conscience.
The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? Jeremiah 17:9
According to Jeremiah 17:9, the heart serves as a metaphor for the human will and emotions. The author describes it as deceitful; like a tortuous, uneven, and crooked bad road. Furthermore, he describes it as desperately sick & medically incurable. God makes it very clear why we sin – it’s a matter of the heart.
Our hearts have been inclined toward sin and from time we were born. Therefore, it cannot be completely trusted. The heart must be balanced with the head. I no longer live by the mantra, “just follow your heart.”
Here’s why:
“Your heart can’t be trusted. The truth is, if you let it, your heart will direct you down a path that leads to the very spot you most want to avoid.”
Following our heart can take us on some good paths and some bad paths. People say, “just follow your heart and it won’t lead you wrong.” Well, sometime it will and sometime it won’t. We all make decisions everyday. Some we have to give a lot of thought and lots of prayer. So, when someone says, “follow your heart,” that is not always the best thing to do.
So, what do I think of the statement: “follow your heart,” It’s a good statement if you have received a new heart and you are constantly filling it with the Word of God. When we tell people to follow their heart, we must know what’s in their heart. Because out of a new heart will flow goodness and out of an old heart will flow evil.
If you follow your heart today, where will you be tomorrow?
