For the past couple of weeks, we’ve been talking about: Things that influence our decisions and direct our lives. The main idea of the series is this: Who or what you follow will determine the future you will experience.

This week, I want to focus on something that has lead all of us into trouble and danger. It’s one of the trickiest influences to recognize as being potentially dangerous. What is this stealthy adversary? It’s your heart.

Just because it seems right in your heart doesn’t mean it’s God’s best for your life.

After that statement, Jesus gives some insight to a heart condition we all struggle with. He says, But the words you speak come from the heart—that’s what defiles you. For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander (Matt. 15:18-19).

The human heart.

The term Heart refers to the deepest inner part or core of a human being.

The heart includes three parts all together:

1. Mind

2. Will

3. Emotion

So what are we supposed to do with this information?

· First, don’t be so quick to trust your heart.

· Second, be quick to guard it.

The word guard means: To take responsibility for what goes in and what comes out of your heart.

Filters are designed to allow a liquid, gas, light, or sound to pass through them to remove unwanted material.

We all have learned to filter what we say or do in order to remove unwanted material that would result in unwanted experiences.

What happens when we don’t guard our hearts?

1. You say things that promote death instead of life.

Let me give you a current example: After House Majority Whip Steve Scalise and others were shot during a Republican congressional baseball practice one person tweeted: It's a shame more Republicans weren't shot.

2. You miss out on the best things God has for you.

God created each of us with gifts and abilities to help others discover and experience His love and forgiveness.

When your heart gets clogged your life gets bad. Remember, your heart determines the course of your life.

How’s your heart?

· Are you mad at anyone?

· Have you been critical of someone?

· Have you told yourself that it was okay to lie to someone?

Following Christ is not about behaving better, it’s about allowing God to give you a new heart.

Remember, just because it seems right in your heart doesn’t mean it’s God’s best for your life.