IN THE MARGINS: When the heart lies

By Tony Martin
Editor

In a world constantly shouting conflicting messages, the ability to discern truth from falsehood has never been more vital. Yet, everywhere we turn, the prevailing advice is often to “follow your heart,” as if our hearts alone were infallible guides to what is right and true. But the reality, especially from a Christian perspective, is profoundly different — and caution is necessary. The heart, Scripture warns us, “is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9 ESV).

We live in a culture that celebrates emotional authenticity above rational discernment, often encouraging us to believe that our feelings alone can lead us safely through complex moral and spiritual landscapes. But emotions, although powerful and meaningful, cannot reliably lead us to truth. Emotions shift, change, and can easily mislead us. They can paint an alluring yet dangerously inaccurate picture of reality, causing us to mistake momentary happiness for lasting joy, temporary satisfaction for enduring fulfillment.

Today, one of the most subtle yet potent sources of emotional manipulation is social media. Posts, headlines, and viral stories frequently aim to provoke strong emotional reactions, intentionally bypassing our critical thinking. Consider how quickly misinformation spreads through emotionally charged posts — posts designed not to inform but to inflame, engage, and provoke clicks. Such questionable content often masquerades as truth, presenting itself in attractive packages of sensationalism or fear, causing confusion and division.

So, how can we learn to distinguish truth from falsehood rationally rather than emotionally?

Start with Scripture

For Christians, reason begins with the reliable foundation of Scripture. Unlike our emotions, God’s Word does not shift or change. It is consistent, dependable, and unerringly points toward truth. Psalm 119:160 declares, “The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.” When we’re faced with difficult questions, decisions, or moral dilemmas, the first rational step is to measure them against the clarity and consistency of biblical truth.

Rather than asking, “Does this feel right?” we should ask, “Does this align with what God has clearly spoken?” Our feelings, although genuine and powerful, must always be checked against something unchanging. Scripture provides this necessary anchor, keeping us from drifting into deception.

Seek Wise Counsel

Reason is not isolated — it thrives in the company of wisdom and accountability. Proverbs 15:22 reminds us, “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.” Surrounding ourselves with wise, biblically grounded friends or mentors can help us see past our emotional blind spots and biases. These advisers help us reflect critically and rationally on our circumstances and choices.

Consider how emotions often lead us astray when isolated. Loneliness, pride, or anger can distort our judgment. But a community rooted in Christ can gently remind us of truth, offering perspectives grounded in biblical wisdom, humility, and love rather than fleeting emotions.

Train Your Mind to Think Clearly

The Apostle Paul offers this critical advice: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2). Notice that transformation doesn’t start with feelings — it begins with renewing our minds.

Reasoning rationally means deliberately training ourselves to think clearly, critically, and consistently in alignment with God’s truth. It involves recognizing logical fallacies, understanding cognitive biases, and learning to evaluate information carefully and prayerfully.

This disciplined approach is not cold or impersonal — it is deeply faithful. It honors God by taking seriously the gift of intellect He has given us, refusing to surrender our discernment to unpredictable emotions or sensational social media posts.

Beware the Deceitfulness of “Following Your Heart”

Our culture romanticizes the notion of “following your heart,” suggesting that the truest path to fulfillment lies in emotional authenticity. But Scripture warns otherwise. Emotions, unchecked and untested, can lead us into profound deception.

Feelings of infatuation can deceive us into toxic relationships. Anger can lead us to destructive decisions. Even well-meaning compassion, untethered from truth, can encourage harmful choices. Recognizing that our hearts are “deceitful” is not an attack on our emotions but a wise acknowledgment of their limitations.

Instead, God invites us into wisdom — integrating our hearts and minds under His lordship. Proverbs 4:23 instructs, “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” Keeping our hearts requires intentional, rational discernment, consistently realigning our emotions with the truth of God’s Word.

Embrace Reason Guided by Faith

The call to rational discernment doesn’t mean rejecting emotions altogether. Rather, it means submitting our feelings to a higher authority — God’s unchanging truth. Rational discernment guided by faith doesn’t diminish the richness of our emotional lives; it enriches them, ensuring our feelings are trustworthy, guided by truth rather than momentary whims or provocative online content.

Jesus Himself modeled this beautifully, demonstrating how to navigate life rationally and faithfully. When tempted, He relied on Scripture rather than momentary feelings. When pressured by crowds, He maintained clarity and purpose, guided by obedience to the Father rather than emotional responses to public opinion.

Conclusion

In a world driven by ever-changing emotional tides and often misleading online voices, Christians are called to something deeper: rational, truth-based discernment. The heart, as Scripture warns, is indeed deceitful if left unchecked. But when our emotions are tempered by reason, grounded firmly in Scripture, guided by wise counsel, and disciplined through consistent renewal of our minds, we find clarity and stability in an otherwise chaotic landscape.

So, the next time you’re encouraged to simply “follow your heart” or to trust questionable social media posts, pause and consider —what truth is guiding you? Rational discernment, shaped by biblical wisdom, will lead you to greater clarity and protect you from subtle but dangerous emotional manipulation.