Why it's a bad idea for Christians to follow their hearts — Pastor Shane Pruitt explains

Jeremiah 17:9 says, 'The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?' (Pixabay)

People who are seeking out help and guidance might be told, "Just follow your heart." But Pastor Shane Pruitt, director of Missions for the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention, believes that advice is wrong.

"Now that advice may be well-meaning by someone who believes it's true, or perhaps by someone who doesn't know what else to say, or even worse it's lazily given by someone with a dismissive attitude wanting to move on from the conversation," Pruitt writes in an article for The Christian Post. "However, if this is how we make life-altering decisions about topics like career path, which school to attend, relationships, when to speak up or when to stay silent, shouldn't we really consider what that overly used statement really means?"

Pruitt says that to follow one's heart is to follow one's feelings, desires, and emotions. But to do so is "horrifically dangerous" since these things change all the time.

"They can change with a phone call, a word of criticism, or a traffic jam. If we truly followed them, we'd be all over the map with our decisions," says Pruitt.

Even the Bible warns Christians about being fooled by their hearts, says Pruitt. The matters of the heart are even discussed over 300 times in the Bible. For example, Jeremiah 17:9 says, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?"

So instead of following one's heart, Pruitt says it would be better if Christians follow God instead. God will never lead Christians to do anything harmful; and in following Him, Christians will constantly shape and mould their lives through the power of His Spirit.

The only real battle here is that Christians must always remember the truth. Whenever their hearts are trying to get the better of their lives, they should always keep in mind that God is stronger than their hearts.

News
Texas holds day of prayer in wake of devastating flash floods
Texas holds day of prayer in wake of devastating flash floods

A day of prayer was observed across Texas on Sunday as the state continues to respond to devastating flash floods that have killed dozens, including a number of children who were attending a Christian summer camp. 

Is a 'quiet revival' really taking place? Shock new study findings suggest Christianity may be in retreat
Is a 'quiet revival' really taking place? Shock new study findings suggest Christianity may be in retreat

The challenge before the Christian Church is both stark and clear: to understand and engage a new generation if it is to have a future. 

What was the Welsh Revival and why should you know about it?
What was the Welsh Revival and why should you know about it?

The Welsh Revival of 1904 was anything but quiet, leading to the worldwide Pentecostal and charismatic movements. This is the story …

Church bombing in Syria is 'not sectarian conflict but persecution'
Church bombing in Syria is 'not sectarian conflict but persecution'

A deadly suicide bombing at a Damascus church on Sunday June 22 has reignited urgent calls for global recognition of the ongoing persecution of Syria’s religious minorities.