Listen To Your Heart | Practical Prescription #9

Dr. Larry Baucom discusses the idea of “upsetting the right people”. What does this mean and how can you apply it to your life today?

James 1:5-8

Trying to please (or at least, not upset) everyone will not give you stability.

Dr. Baucom shares a “God encounter” he experienced in 1998, where he felt a calling for his life (this was the moment he decided to start Suncoast). As a child, he learned to listen to the still small voice in his heart (the whisper of God), and when it came to making big decisions – he felt he was never alone.

When God whispers to you, when you feel that your next step is the right thing to do, how do you decide to move? How do you take action? How can you be sure?

James 1:6-8 (listen to what is true within)

When we want to be honest with someone, be careful not to harm them.

Honesty is critical for growth, but there is a difference between hurt and harm. Hurt is a normal part of life, no one is free from experiencing it. However, when we harm someone (on purpose or by accident) try to reconcile, try to “mend fences”, try to go above and beyond, try to make things right today. When you feel you must be honest, try to lessen the damage you might cause with others.

There will always be controlling people who disagree with your choices or decisions, but ultimately, listen to and follow your heart. When someone is controlling (irresponsible, self-serving, manipulative) and they are upset with you – recognize you might be on the right path. However, if kind, loving, honest, responsible, Godly people are upset with you, it might be a good idea to reexamine your life choices.

Don’t avoid upsetting all people, but instead, know the kind of person it is you are upsetting. When you focus on living a Godly life and you listen to what is true within, you will know what it means to “listen to your heart”.