A second complication has to do with the desires of the heart. Our desires are not like computer chips that emerge from a sterilized environment. They arise from a cauldron of mixed motives and longings. Our desires (or the “affections” as the Puritans called them) are the things we want and crave, or hunger and thirst for. They are rarely indifferent. They tend to grow in their strength. If they continue to increase for what is sinful, they develop into an idolatrous love. If this happens, then we will do anything for them. We will even lie to ourselves. Our thinking is often manipulated by desires that try to paint our motives in the most virtuous colors while masking the vanity and self-absorption that lies beneath.
Herein lies the significance of Christ’s statement, “Blessed are the pure in heart” (Matt. 5:8). Just as pure spring water is free from pollutants, so also is the pure heart. Christ calls his children to cultivate a heart that is undivided in its desires and instead is marked by a singular purpose to pursue Christ. Noble desires must be cultivated to thrive over lesser desires. Such work is impossible without God’s Spirit and God’s truth-bearing upon our hearts to purge sinful longings and inflame holy ones. We need God’s gracious work in our hearts to help us discern our motives with more clarity and honesty. Anyone interested in this does not simply “follow their heart.” Read More»
A. Craig Troxel | “Don’t Follow Your Heart” | March 5, 2020
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