I had a lively conversation with a person recently about which rules us, our head (Decisions) or heart (Character). He contended it was the head (Mind, will). I contended it was the heart and mind together (Character, What we WANT).
Do we do what we do because we first think it… OR… are our actions the result of what we want? Which comes first? Desire (Heart) or decision (Head)?
My contention is the two (Practically) cannot be separated. Our decisions are always what we want, driven by the heart. We never do anything we don’t on some level CHOOSE and WANT to do, regardless of how conflicted we may feel at the time. Yet, every person is able to make a choice that may seem in conflict with what they prefer not to do in the moment. Consider…
Pr 4:23 Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. (See also Pr 23:12; 27:19)
Pr 23:7* For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he… KJV
Mt 12:34 Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.
Mt 15:18 What comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. 19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. 20 These are what defile a person.
1 Cor 2:16 But we have the mind of Christ.
The only way anyone can live a holy life that honors God is when the heart and mind are redeemed by the blood of Jesus. This is first a work of God affirmed by the individual. What we think can and does have a powerful effect over the heart. Consider what Paul wrote as recorded in Philippians 4:8-9…
Finally, brothers, whatever is true… honorable… just… pure… lovely… commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned & received & heard & seen in me—practice these things, & the God of peace will be with you.
What we choose to think on (Mind) has a powerful result in the heart (Peace).
Conclusion: Choose with your mind to guard your heart (Pr 4:23). Decided not to think on things you know from Scripture are not proper and will draw your heart away from God (Phil 4:8-9). Choose to meditate on Christ so that your heart and mind are not divided or at war within you. In conclusion, consider the words of Jesus…
Mt 22:36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment.”
Rev 2:23 All the churches will know that I am he who searches mind AND heart, and I will give to each of you as your works deserve.