Monday, July 8, 2013

“What Goes In, Will Come Out…”

It almost makes me a little sick when I see/hear someone give the advice “Follow your heart.” It’s something we see, hear, and say all the time and just accept as a truth without thinking of the harm it can cause.

I know I have innocently given this advice many, many times…not thinking of the repercussions that may come as a result of someone doing this when their heart isn’t pure. And that can happen to any of us.

Follow your heart

So here’s the deal.

Our hearts can lead us in the wrong direction if we’re not careful. The Bible says in Jeremiah 17:9 “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?”

Mark 7:21 says “For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery.”

There is a reason the Bible tells us in Proverbs 4:23 “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” We are all in danger of allowing things into our hearts to corrupt it, and if that happens, it will pollute our thoughts & can negatively affect our decisions.

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I know I am guilty of this. Sometimes I watch t.v. shows, movies, listen to music, etc. that doesn’t glorify God. I always feel convicted when I do, but sometimes I ignore those feelings and do it anyway. And I find that as a result, it ends up coming out in some negative way. I’ll think thoughts, say things, or act in a way that I know I shouldn’t and that is out of character- And I’ll think, “Where did this come from?” When I allow garbage into my mind, garbage comes out in my heart. And we have to be very careful about what we are choosing to allow in our lives and be careful listening to our heart if we haven’t been filling it with the right things.

When I don’t make time for quiet time, skip my morning prayer, and am not in the Word, my life feels like chaos and I know my heart isn’t where it should be. That’s why it’s SO important to spend that time allowing the Lord to purify your heart & renew your mind DAILY.

How many times do you think someone has had an affair because they were “following their heart?” There is absolutely NOTHING about adultery that is pleasing to the Lord or goes along with His plans, no matter the circumstances. But I guarantee it happens from people thinking they are doing the right thing in “following their heart".” Families & marriages are torn apart as a result…

Be careful who you surround yourself with, what you listen to, & what you watch. Choose to surround yourself with positive people who encourage and uplift you. Spend time in the Word & in prayer. Allow God to renew your mind daily. Guard your heart…because what goes in, will come out….

What goes in, must come out.

15 comments:

angela hodges abode said...

So very true! I only listen to gospel music now. Even that doesn't completely glorify God in the highest. But it's better than letting satan try and get a foot hold through a open door song about worldly desires! Thank you for sharing!

Angel Roberts said...

This was exactly what I needed to read this morning. Thank you so much.

Justin and Marcie said...

Well put. Agree 100%!

kate said...

Yup, I'm guilty of the follow your heart... I was in a bad place, fell for words that were meaningless. Thankfully "my true love" was understanding, and now we are better than ever. It was a rough road full of tears and heartache, but we were very truthful about everything and I can now say a year later our trust levels are at 95% and I'm happy with that!

Anonymous said...

Strong agreement here! It always bothers me when people say "follow your heart"...it almost seems like they're offering it as an excuse, as though they aren't responsible for their actions because their heart told them to do it! I really liked the way you laid this out.

-C

Southern Cinderella said...

So true! I absolutely love this post and this is what I needed to hear! Making sure we have a daily time alone with God to glorify him and seek his word is a must, especially in today's time. Have a great day and thanks for this!

Pamela said...

Love this. So true! We've been trying to watch who we hang out with. We've distanced ourselves from some people. Even though it's been hard, it's for the best. We have to do what is right! I blogged about how I need to be in His Word even more today!

Mama’s Minute said...

So 100% absolutely true! :)

Tiffany said...

I came across your blog from Pinterest (actually from your post on being a Godly wife). I can't tell you how much encouragement your blog has given me in my walk with God. Thank you for sharing.

Ashley said...

Great post!!

Christy said...

Thank you so much for sharing. When you talk about surrounding yourself with people who are positive and that will uplift and encourage you,it's SO TRUE! I'm really struggling with some stuff with work and I get none of that. God came to me in a dream about 2 years ago and told me to find another job. Well, I got content and didn't listen to him. I have been praying that He would lead me back to the plan he had for me 2 years ago. Thank you again for sharing!

Pamela said...

I've always liked the added saying that I've seen to go with that: "Follow your heart, but take your head with you." I constantly have a battle between my heart and head about what's best for me. They take turns winning. :) Great post!

- Pam
Stolen Moments

Anonymous said...

Love this! Thank you for this post...and for sharing the truth!

Robyn said...

Love this..sometimes I find myself having an emotional response after watching a particular movie, TV show or even reading a book that leaves me longing for something not in line with the Word or God's will, so I can really relate!

P!nky said...

I agree with you 100%. When people ask me for advice, I always say pray about it and God will show you the way.

God can put feelings in your heart and can speak to you, we just have to listen to HIM and not what we want.

GREAT POST!