Over the last few decades there have been a lot of catchy phrases and religious sounding quotes and sayings that have become popular among the Christian community.  Sayings like “your happiness is the most important thing”.

These quotes and sayings have been so popular among the Christian community that a number of books have been written to expose the error of equating these sayings to Biblical truth.  Listed below is an excerpt from some of the books addressing the things “Jesus didn’t say”:

“Listen to your heart”

“believe in yourself”

“trust your gut”

“feel good about who you are”

“your happiness is what matters”

“just be a good person”

These phrases have become so popular among the Christian community many think they are direct quotes from Jesus.  We may be surprised how many regular church goers think these quotes are from the Bible. 

To some these appear to be merely positive affirmations to help a person develop a healthy outlook. However, when a person adopts these phrases for their world view, they are really giving way to a humanistic belief system.

Why is it important to address this issue?

1. These sayings are not from scripture.  It’s like the old competitive sports phrase,  “it’s close but no cigar”.  Close is not always the most accurate decision you can make.  For example, “Listen to your heart” could be the biggest error you could make.  Since we are a product of our environment, our worldview and even our political affiliation, “listening to your heart” could take you in the opposite direction we should go.  The scriptures say that the “heart is deceitful and desperately wicked,” (Jeremiah 17:9 We are born with a sin nature our natural instinct is to sin.  Unless we are grounded in the Word and led by the Holy Spirit our natural instinct is to sin and to fulfill our selfish desires.

2. These sayings are not representative of the Christian life.  As a matter of fact, these saying are more closely related to humanism than to Christianity.  As a committed follower of Jesus our life’s goal is “not I but Christ”.  It is “my life is hidden with Christ, I am no longer my own” ( I have been crucified  with Christ and it’s longer I who lives but  Christ who lives in me -Galatians 2:20).The Christian life is about surrender and abandonment.  It’s about the surrender of all our goals, dreams and plans to God, so He can guide, shape and mold us into the servant he wants us to be. 

3. What would Jesus say regarding these sayings

Instead of “listening to your heart” (which is your mind, will and motions)  Jesus would say listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit and let Him guide you.  “In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.”

Instead of “Believe in yourself” – Rest in the living Christ within, and draw on His strength. By resting in Him you will become the person He created you to be.

Instead of “Trust your gut” – “Lean not on your own understanding but  in all ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.” ( Proverb 3:5)

Instead of “feel good about who you are” – Feel good about being in Christ and having all you need in Him.  Jesus makes us complete. The scriptures teach that Jesus is our identity, our worth, our acceptance, our joy, our inner peace and our rest. We can feel good about ourselves not because of our accomplishments but because of who we are in Christ. 

Instead of “your happiness is what matters” – Accept a higher place by seeking and drawing on His inner peace.  He gives us an inner peace that passes all understanding. “ Fruit of the Spirit is love joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness faithfulness” (Gal 5;22)

Instead of “just be a good person” – Allow the person of Christ to rule and reign in your heart and the goodness will emanate from every cell of your body.

Bottom Line

Instead of living by humanistic creeds that sound good, go to the source of love, joy, happiness and let Jesus live His life in and through you. You will discover that Jesus is truly all you need.