In movies and songs, we often hear of "listen to your heart". However, this can be misleading because the heart is our center of emotions. Emotions are changeable and can lead us astray. Instead, it's wiser to seek sound, well-rounded advice that serves a greater purpose beyond personal desires.
Aleister Crowley’s "The Book of the Law," written in 1904, emphasizes "Do what thou wilt," which promotes following one’s desires. The book Crowley claims, was given to him by his guardian angel Aiwass. Crowley started a religion around this creed called Thelema, which is said to be a Greek word meaning “will” or “a desire”. To me, listening to your heart aligns too much with an occultist like Crowley, who refers to himself as the Beast 666.
In contrast, Jesus teaches in the Lord's Prayer, "Thy will be done," which suggests aligning our actions with divine will rather than our own impulses. I don't know why Frank Sinatra would want to do it his way But I will take divine guidance any day rather than be dependant on my limited abilities to get ahead in this uncertain life.
Navigating life is challenging, and decision-making often requires more than just following our feelings. Growing up in a prayer-centered home, I learned to seek divine guidance, especially during difficult times. Proverbs 3:5 advises, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." This taught me the value of seeking God's wisdom over my limited perspective.
During my adolescence, a time of searching for identity and independence, I found great value in the wisdom of Proverbs. This book, written by a father to his child, provided guidance I missed from a father. The verse "Trust in the LORD with all your heart" emphasizes that, while I don’t know what the future holds, seeking divine guidance is crucial.
Blindly following the heart can lead to disappointment. Throughout history, philosophers and scriptures have offered valuable insights that help us navigate life’s complexities. Making decisions with our limited experience can cause us to overlook important aspects. Therefore, it's wiser to seek advice that benefits not only ourselves but others as well.
In summary, balancing emotional impulses with wisdom from spiritual and philosophical teachings can guide us toward more thoughtful, purposeful decisions. This approach aligns our actions with deeper values and serves a greater good, leading to a more fulfilling and stable life.