“He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool…” (Proverbs 28:26a)
People who follow their hearts are fools. That may not be what Oprah or your friends or even your mother says, but that’s what God says. The mantra of our post-Christian, neo-pagan culture is love, therefore the guiding principle is simply to follow your heart, which makes about as much sense as jumping over a precipice because the view is so nice on the way down.
Your heart is a poor leader for many reasons, not the least of which is the fact that it is a deceiver (Jer.17:9) and, as a consequence, is itself so easily deceived (Deut.11:16). Our affections are the least reliable barometer for any decision in our life, especially decisions of the heart. This may sound as though I’m talking in circles, but I’m really not. So-called “decisions of the heart” need not originate there. As my husband often says, we need to let our heads sink into our hearts. Then the love that springs from this knowing, steady, principled heart will be purer and most lasting. Don’t settle for anything less.
By the way, this is also true of our love for God. This is why Jesus challenged his disciples, “Learn of me” (Matt.11:29). Love for God based on how He makes us feel is immature and erratic. Love for God based on what He has revealed about Himself in His Word gives legitimacy and longevity to the feelings.
Jesus said, “Follow me,” not “follow your heart.” Which one are you following?
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