Two Competing Heart Directions
This diagram traces behavior back to the worship of the heart. A person responds to the same situation either by seeking self or by seeking God in faith and repentance.
The Self-Directed Heart
When lusts and desires rule, the heart resists God and seeks pleasure, possessions, control, or approval.
The resulting thoughts, words, and actions may produce anxiety, anger, despair, conflict, and other painful consequences. The ultimate direction is humiliation.
The God-Directed Heart
When a person draws near to the Redeemer, submits to God, and seeks him in faith and repentance, the desire to please God shapes righteous thinking, speech, and action.
The fruit includes joy, peace, satisfaction, and love. The ultimate direction is exaltation by God’s grace.
Root-to-Fruit Questions
- What is the situation?
- What did you want?
- What were you thinking and feeling?
- How did you respond?
- What consequences followed?
- What does God say and do in Christ?
- What faithful response would bear good fruit?
Diagram adapted from CCEF materials.