Relationship Between Heart and Mind

by Chadwick Brewer

“Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ” (Philippians 3:8).

There always seems to be a struggle between the heart and the mind, between the rational and the emotional.

The world tells us to “follow our hearts.” Many religious voices encourage us to know the truth through the feelings we experience within. Some attempt to stir up deep emotions through impressive buildings, elaborate ceremonies, dramatic displays of ritual, or captivating musical performances.

But the simple truth is that God calls us to follow our minds and then allows Himself to become the fulfillment of our hearts’ desires. God reasons with us. He grounds all His teaching in truth and factual history. He appeals first to the mind and then offers emotional fulfillment once the truth is known. He desires the mind to lead and the heart to follow.

Too often, we arouse the heart with cheap imitations of God’s wonder and splendor and then wonder why we feel so unfulfilled in our lives. Let God’s truth rule in your mind, and then allow His wonder and splendor to truly satisfy your heart.