FEB 20

Jeremiah 17:9
Memorise Proverbs 16:25
“… but the end thereof are the ways of death”

SHOULD WE FOLLOW OUR HEART?

These very words, and their meaning, are found in many secular songs. They have become the mantra for those who may be feeling lost and directionless. People who are seen as wise say to those who are disillusioned with life – “just follow your heart”. This is a reflection of sinful man’s perception of himself, for he thinks that underneath all of his own imperfections and wretchedness lies a spiritual consciousness that is pure and true. To them, the best guide in life is none other than their own desires. They think that true happiness can only be found when you “Let your soul be your pilot”, “let your soul guide you” or “listen to your heart”. These are some lyrics found in songs that mislead people into thinking that they can trust their own feelings.

While it is not wrong to be passionate about life, human passion that is neither tempered by God’s wisdom nor constrained by the love for Christ only leads to sorrow (Romans 8:12-13). This is because the heart of an unregenerate sinner is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked. It cannot be trusted. God’s Word tells us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). To fear God is to have a deep reverence and awe for Him, and to consider all that He says with the greatest care. Only through salvation in the Lord Jesus can we have a heart that is receptive to God’s Word that we may obtain wisdom and guidance.

Dear Teen, following the ways of the world may appear to be reasonable and correct. However, Proverbs 16:25 tells us that things that seem right may not be so. Granted that in many things the world has much to teach us, and many such things may not bear any spiritual significance either way. However, there will be situations in every person’s life that he will have to choose between following Jesus or his carnal passions. Which will you choose to follow?

Thought: He who serves himself or the world ultimately serves the god of this world, which is Satan.
Prayer: Lord, grant us wisdom and discernment that we will not go down the broad way to death but the strait to eternal life.