Proverbs 22:15 says, “Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far away.” We were born with foolishness (sin) stored up in our hearts, and it was our parent’s job to help drive it out of us by training us in the way that we should go. Not everyone was fortunate enough to have parents that did that. Thankfully, regardless of our age, it’s never too late to learn those disciplines that come with following Jesus. This verse is the reason why I don’t like the phrase “follow your heart.” Yikes! If I were to follow my heart, my every emotion, whim, or desire, I would spiral into a very lost and miserable individual.
Instead, we are called to submit to God and His Word and not lean on our own understanding or fleshly desires. Matthew 7: 13 says, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” The road that leads to life is narrow; that is why we must stay connected to Jesus. Scripture warns us in 1 Corinthians 10:13 that we are going to be tempted, but when we are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that we can overcome it. I’m thankful that God has given us everything we need to be clothed in Him.