Two Directions of the Heart
“So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.” — 2 Corinthians 5:9, ESV
Every response moves in one of two directions: pleasing God or pleasing self. The Y-Chart traces how the ruling direction of the heart shapes decisions, actions, and consequences.
The Self-Pleasing Direction
- The heart is ruled by feelings, desires, and immediate comfort.
- The easy decision follows the flesh rather than resisting it.
- Self-directed choices produce increasingly difficult consequences (see Proverbs 13:15; 29:1 and Galatians 6:7–9).
The God-Pleasing Direction
- The heart is oriented by Christ, the gospel, and Scripture.
- The difficult decision resists the flesh and acts by faith (see Galatians 5:17 and Hebrews 11:25).
- God’s way leads toward the good fruit of obedience and the rest of Christ (see Matthew 11:30).
Trace the Pattern
- Identify what happened.
- Name the desire, belief, or feeling ruling your heart.
- Describe the action that followed.
- Identify the fruit or consequence.
- Choose the truth and obedient response that would please God.
