A Message for The Bachelorette, Emily Maynard: Don’t Follow Your Heart

2 min read

 

Okay. I admit it. I’ve been watching this season’s Bachelorette.

I don’t watch television much and certainly don’t usually watch shows like this, but my wife, daughter and me started watching a few weeks ago. As I watched, I observed some redeeming qualities in Emily and several of the guys, but, of course, also saw and heard some things that may only cause future pain for them.

For example, last night Emily said, “I just have to follow my heart” as she struggled to make the choice as to which guys would stay and which one she would send home. Maybe you’ve even said the same thing yourself at some point.

I wish I could have told Emily, what I wrote in my blog post, “Don’t Follow Your Heart.” You see, when most people say, “follow your heart,” they’re really just saying, “follow your feelings.”  And yes, feelings by themselves can sometimes lead you down a smooth road, but more often than not, they’ll lead you on a road full of potholes and maybe even a fatal crash. Feelings can often be shallow and unreliable.

I wish I could have told her to “Lead Your Heart” instead. As I explained in that post, there are four ways to lead your heart.

1. Check your heart.

A key to leading your heart is to constantly be aware of where it is. Know what you really treasure. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also,” Jesus says.

2. Guard your heart.

When something unhealthy tempts your heart, it is your responsibility to guard it against temptation. “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life” (Proverbs 4:23).

3. Set your heart.

Set your thoughts and affections on what’s most important in life. Your relationship with God.

4. Invest your heart.

Don’t wait until you “feel like” doing the right thing in your relationship. Do it today.

Do you watch the show? What’s your take?

 

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