Ask the Question: Follow Your Heart? You’ve heard it, haven’t you? Just Follow Your Heart. “The map to our guidance lies within. Always follow your heart ! When your heart feels at peace, rest assured, you are on the right track.” (Angie Karan Krezos) Then he said, “This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. And I’ll say to myself, ‘You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’ (Jesus, Luke 12:18-19, NIV)
Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, “My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.” (Acts 23:1, NIV) Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe. (Solomon, Proverbs 28:26) “For all its accolades and celebrated recognition as sound guidance, I have personally noticed that sometimes, 'follow your heart,' is really bad advice.” (Steve Maraboli)
Getting Started 1. What do you think is meant when people say, “Follow your heart”? 2. Why is it easier to recognize the bad decisions others make than to realize our own?
In the Texts (Luke 12:13-21; 1 Corinthians 6:12-20; Ephesians 5:1-17) 1. (Luke 12:13-21) What was the context of Jesus’ parable? 2. What “heart problem” was he addressing? 3. What were some of the mistakes the rich man made that are still being repeated today? 4. (1 Corinthians 6:12-20) As you read verses 12 & 13 point out the possible excuses people were offering to justify their actions. How are they similar to what people continue to say? 5. How does Paul address the philosophy that the body, and what is done in it, is insignificant? 6. What specific activity does Paul identify as a sin against an individual’s own body? How would one justify such actions? How could the heart play a part in this course? (see Proverbs 7) Application 1. What is an area of your life where you need to ask “Is this the wise thing for me to do?” How can our Community Group support you in asking this question? 2. How can your CG help you in changing your behavior in these times?