The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately sick; who can understand it? (Jeremiah 17:9, ESV)
It was 1937, and Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club in California would host the beginnings of an ongoing union between professional golf and Hollywood celebrities.
World-renowned singer/actor Bing Crosby hosted his first Pro-Am that year, bringing together the world’s best professional golfers with golfing celebrities from film, radio, and, soon after, television.
Expectedly, golfing audiences loved seeing their golf heroes and celebrity favorites in the same arena. Even today, celebrity golf outings continue, many of which raise millions of dollars for charities.
Today, we know the Bing Crosby Pro-Am as the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. The American Express in La Quinta, CA, was once called the Bob Hope Desert Classic and was famous for its celebrity pro-am. So, celebrities and professional golf have been a match for nearly 100 years.
Recently, one of the most recognized celebrity golfers was featured on the cover of a major magazine publication. Under the picture of this celebrity was the banner, ‘I listen to my heart,’ referring to a professional decision the actor had made that garnered Hollywood headlines.
Quotes like these sound beneficial, but are they biblical? Granted, this actor didn’t allude to it being a held biblical position. Yet, could it be wise for the Average Joe’s and Jane’s of the world to heed celebrity counsel like ‘Listen to your heart’?
Scripture would caution us with big, bold letters NO.
In Jeremiah 17, idolatry is the central issue that the prophet is addressing. The people worshipped what they possessed (v.3), trusting in themselves. Jeremiah declared they were cursed if they trusted in those things (v.5).
Jeremiah offers a distinct alternative when he says that the man who trusts in the Lord is blessed (v.7). Jeremiah makes this clear, and it should also be clear to us. When we begin to trust in our possessions and ourselves over the Lord, doom and regret await.
In verse 9, Jeremiah makes a defining statement regarding whether or not we should look within when it comes to life and valuing what is important. He says that our hearts are deceitful and desperately sick.
The very thing many believe we should follow in life for decisions and purpose, Jeremiah states, is sly and disastrous. Our hearts and emotions quickly lead us into decisions that soon fester into regret and compounding dilemmas.
Is it biblically wise to listen to your heart regarding life and the myriad of decisions it demands? Of course not! What, then, should be the magazine headline for the life of the follower of Christ?
I sought the Lord, and He answered me!
Trusting and following Jesus is made possible through the presence of the Holy Spirit (see Proverbs 3:4-6; Romans 8:9,14). The Holy Spirit is the One who guides us and brings us to places of resolved decision (see John 14:16-17; 16), knowing that in Christ there is peace and assurance (Romans 8:26-27). Additionally, there is wisdom in seeking counsel from those deeply rooted in scripture (Proverbs 8:14).
Are you wrestling with a decision over a weighty matter? Don’t listen to your heart, Jeremiah declares. Seek the Lord through prayer and fasting. Welcome the words of those mature saints the Lord has placed in your life. Hunger and thirst for Him, and you will never go unsatisfied (Matthew 5:6).
Prayer: Father, May I never entrust matters that need divine revelation to my heart. Strengthen me to pursue You and Your will continuously. Amen