“Just follow your heart.” We hear it all the time, don’t we? But is this good advice? Sure, these three words can inspire us to pursue our dreams and to carry out what we feel called to do. Yet, they can also take us to places that aren’t God’s best for us. Today we are uncovering why this popular mantra can lead us astray and what we can do instead to live a purposeful, God-centered life. We will learn exactly why following your heart isn’t biblical, nor is it the best way to live.
This personal story illustrates why following your heart can be so damaging. At the time, I was on top of the world. In my sparkly periwinkle gown, I had just accepted a plaque on stage in front of hundreds of people that signified my achievement of leading a group of incredible women to over $350,000 in retails sales for the year. I was living the dream… diamond rings, fancy ballgowns, prestige, money, and yes, even a pink Cadillac. It was a night for celebration, and as I glided down the stage’s steps to pick up the diamond ring I just earned, I remember thinking my life couldn’t get any better than this.
I was so wrong and I learned quickly how following my heart was not my best guide.
Following my heart clouded my vision of what was truly important, and it left me feeling empty, sorrowful, and searching for more.
I understand how people mean well when they tell you and me to “follow your heart,” but from my experience, it’s one of the worst pieces of advice we could ever follow.
“Follow your heart” is not found anywhere in the Bible.
God has not said these, nor has Jesus. So, who knows where this saying originated, but I’m going to suggest you and I never voice them again. I give three reasons why and three behaviors to choose instead.
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Following my heart will always get me in trouble. But following God will always lead me to an abundant life.
Today let’s begin to trust God to lead us and to trust His will over our feelings. Thanks for tuning in. Next week we’re diving into how we can grow a heart for God by cultivating a deeper relationship with Him. You won’t want to miss it!
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Oh Julie, this is sooo good! Painful maybe, but so true— I’m glad that God put it on your heart to share with us. I don’t think most of us even consider that our hearts are leading us away from God’s plan for our best. I need to go back and listen again and examine my heart to make sure what I’m doing is what and where God would have me to be.
I pray that you are doing well, have a great weekend! Thanks for this word. Love, Judy Cooper
Hi Judy! Thank you for your message. I’m glad we can encourage one another and continue to point each other to truth. These kinds of lessons aren’t easy, and like you wrote, sometimes painful, but when we share them with others, God uses them for His glory. I am doing well, and I pray you are also. I’m so glad we’re staying in touch! Sending you much love.