Paul Addresses a Popular Worldly Meme

Statements like “follow your heart” are naive and dangerous. And they've been around for thousands of years. See Trust Your Heart?

In 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, Paul rebuked the Corinthians for saying, “I have the right to do anything,” ...‘Food for the stomach and the stomach for food’” (vs.12-13).

People were saying that hunger is a God-given desire and we eat when we're hungry. Likewise, sexual desire is also God-given, so we should fulfill it whenever and however we want.(1) 

Paul makes it clear in this passage that following our heart regarding sexual desires is not only naive and dangerous. It damages our hearts like no other sin: 

“Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body...You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” (vs.18-20)

We can make sinful and damaging choices in every area of life, but sexual sin does deeper damage.(2)  

Our modern world rejects God's loving commands and promotes premarital sex, adultery, and pornography. And they reject God's commands and creation design to pursue LGBTQ lifestyles. 

In truth when people follow their hearts, they're following Satan's heart of destruction (John 10:10). 

I'm grateful that God gives us the courage and strength to say no to unhealthy desires (1 Corinthians 10:13). And when we follow God's heart, we find true fulfillment, meaning and purpose.

Please consider how you might lovingly share these truths with someone involved in sexual sin.  

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I also encourage you to read Sexual Sin is Serious and  Did You Know that "Unnatural" Sins Are More Damaging to Our Souls? 

Notes:

(1) “Food for the stomach and the stomach for food”

“This phrase reflects a common saying in Corinth, emphasizing the natural relationship between food and the stomach. In the Greco-Roman world, such expressions were used to justify indulgence in physical appetites.” (source)

(2) “All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.” 

“This phrase suggests a self-destructive element inherent in sexual sin. It affects the individual's physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. In the biblical context, the body is not merely a vessel but an integral part of one's identity and relationship with God.” (source)