Deny Self and Follow Him

The World Says "Follow Your Heart," Jesus Says "Follow Me"

In a culture that constantly urges us to look inward—to “be true to ourselves” and “follow our heart”—we are bombarded with a message of ultimate self-trust. It sounds liberating, empowering, and authentic.

But as followers of Jesus, we encounter a fundamentally different call: a command to deny self and follow Him (Matthew 16:24). When we hold these two ideas up to the light of Scripture, we discover why the world’s advice, though appealing, is dangerously flawed, and why Jesus's command is the only source of true life and direction.

The Deception of the Human Heart

The most critical difference lies in the Bible's assessment of the human heart. Far from being a trustworthy guide, Scripture paints a sobering picture of its nature after the Fall.

The Heart is Flawed and Untrustworthy

The prophet Jeremiah gives us the most direct warning:

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9, ESV)

To "follow your heart" is to willingly follow the most deceitful and sick part of your own being. It's a surrender to subjective feelings and desires, which are easily swayed by sin, temporary circumstances, and the influence of the world.

• It leads to sin: Jesus Himself said that evil originates from within: “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.” (Matthew 15:19).

• It promotes self-reliance: The world’s mantra encourages us to lean on our own understanding—which is the exact opposite of the clear biblical command: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5).

The Radical Call to Follow Jesus

In stark contrast to the world's inward-looking advice, Jesus's call is an outward command—an invitation to place our ultimate trust and allegiance in an objective, perfect, and divine Guide.

"Follow Me": An Invitation to Discipleship

Jesus never told the fishermen, the tax collector, or the rich young ruler to “follow their heart.” He gave them a definitive, life-altering command: “Follow Me.”

When Jesus calls us to follow, it means:

1. A Change of Allegiance: It is a choice to leave behind our old identity, priorities, and ultimate self-rule. The disciples left their nets (their livelihood and security) to follow Him (Mark 1:18).

2. A Submission to His Word: Following Jesus means submitting our subjective thoughts and feelings to the objective truth of His teaching. Jesus is the ultimate 'True North,' and His Word is “a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).

3. A Daily Denial of Self: Jesus was explicit: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23). Following Him is not about fulfilling our desires; it's often about crucifying them in favor of His perfect will.

The Promise of a New Heart

The good news is that for the believer, the path isn't simply one of grim self-control. Following Jesus leads to transformation. We are not left with our "desperately sick" heart; God promises to give us a new one.

“And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” (Ezekiel 36:26)

Through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, our desires begin to be transformed. When we delight in the Lord, He gives us the desires of our heart (Psalm 37:4)—because, over time, our heart's desires align with His own. This is not the starting point of the Christian life, but the fruit of following Christ.

Choose Your Guide

The world offers a path of self-exaltation and fleeting satisfaction. Jesus offers the path of the cross, which leads to true life (John 10:10).

The choice is stark:

The World's Way: "Follow Your Heart"	Jesus's Way: "Follow Me"
Trusts in a deceitful guide (Jer. 17:9)	Trusts in the perfect Savior (Prov. 3:5)
Leads to self-worship and confusion	Leads to a relationship with the Creator
Requires self-expression and fulfillment	Requires self-denial and obedience (Luke 9:23)
Ends in disappointment and death (Prov. 14:12)	Ends in eternal life and purpose (John 14:6)

Don't be deceived by the comforting lie of self-reliance. Choose instead the radical, life-giving truth of discipleship. Turn your eyes not inward, but upward and forward.

Which aspect of "following Jesus" do you find most challenging in today's culture?

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