“Follow your heart.”  That is a phrase that I am sure you have heard (and possibly used).  A quick search reveals that you also can find the phrase on pendants, coffee mugs, a certain food distributor, and other places.  It is hard to miss the phrase.

Typically, people mean well when they use it.  They want to encourage others (or themselves) to find fulfillment or meaning.  And most of the time we nod our heads and smile because we know they are trying to encourage us.

Somehow, we think that the heart is like a compass that can show us what we should be doing, but it isn’t.  Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know Him, and He will make your paths straight.”  In other words, don’t rely on your heart; let God direct your heart.

We must remember that we don’t know everything.  We don’t even know a lot.  We only grasp what is already known to us, and the future is unknown.  We are warned about this in 1 Corinthians 13:12 when it talks about the difference in what we know now compared to what we will know when we enter eternity: “For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror, but then face to face.  Now I know in part, but then I will know fully, as I am fully known.”

I think we need to ponder what is meant by “heart.”

Of course, we associate hearts with Valentine Day, but we also know that that is not what “following your heart” is about.  To follow it, it must give direction and clarity.  Therefore, it cannot refer to your physical heart – nor your emotional heart.  Even a child knows that emotions are not reliable and can lead you to do things you wouldn’t normally do.

When it comes to choices and direction, the heart refers to that part of you that is spiritual.  It controls or brings under control your will and emotions.  And we must make sure that our heart is healthy because it is far from healthy on its own.  Jeremiah 17:9 even warns us that, “The heart is more deceitful than anything else, and incurable – who can understand it?”

Only when we trust in the Lord with our whole heart can we dare to follow that heart.  Only when we seek God’s will first can we dare to follow that heart.  Only when we follow Jesus can we dare to follow that heart.

So – back to the original issue…  Should you follow your heart?

It depends.

Follow your heart only if your heart is tuned to God and not tuned to your own desires.  Do not follow your heart if you are not following God.  So, which is it for you?

When Dr. Jay Cook is asked to share a little of himself; his reply is, “Good question.  I ask it a lot.” His delight is sharing that he is a blessed man – married to a wonderful woman (Kristi Cook) – and awed by his two amazing kids (Jameson & Amelia Rose). He has served in ministry for over 30 years and loves to help others in any way he can. Jay is the Associational Missions Strategist for the Leake County Baptist Association, and a part of an amazing new church (3:16 church) in Canton, MS.  He also helps other churches (as he is able) through revivals, conferences, or however God leads.  He shares his thoughts of a man just trying to live for Jesus (and wanting to help others do the same) through his blog at Dr. Jay Cook.

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Books by Dr. Jay Cook