For months I’ve been trying to understand how Christians, and people in general, can misinterpret the clear teachings of Scripture pertaining to homosexuality, particularly Romans 1:18-32. Every time I read those words, I shake my head, completely puzzled. However, recently I read a statement that has helped me understand the process that leads to the misinterpretation:
“What the heart loves, the will chooses and the mind justifies.”
(Attributed to Phillip Melanchthon, a colleague of Martin Luther)
One of the first rules of interpretation of the Bible is this: “Look first for the clear teaching of Scripture, not a hidden meaning. Always try to understand what the author had in mind when you interpret a portion of the Bible. Don’t twist verses to support a meaning that is not clearly taught. Unless the author indicates that there is another meaning to what he says, let the passage speak for itself.” (Interpret Scripture Accurately website)
Unless the reader is ignoring these rules, looking for a hidden meaning or twisting verses to support a meaning that is not clearly taught, it’s impossible to misinterpret Romans 1. Melanchthon’s quote helps me understand the process by which the mind can justify an interpretation other than the one clearly given: “What the heart loves, the will chooses, and the mind justifies.”
It all begins with the heart and what the heart loves. That’s why we’re told in Proverbs 4:23, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” We must always guard our hearts from loving anything or anyone more than we love the truth. Matthew 6:21 says, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” The battle has always been and will always be about what your heart loves most, where your treasure is. It will affect everything you believe and everything you do.
There are many things our hearts can love, many things which can become our treasure, which will lead us down the slippery slope to deception. One interesting Scripture in John 12 says many of the people of Jesus’ day, even the leaders, believed in Jesus but wouldn’t confess it because they were afraid of being put out of the synagogue. John says,“They loved praise from men more than praise from God.” In our day of political correctness, many who love the praise of men more than the praise of God, embrace unscriptural beliefs because of their fear of retribution and disfavor.
So what about your heart? Are there beliefs and behaviors your will is choosing and your mind is justifying by twisting the clear teaching of God’s Word? If so, ask the Lord to reveal what you love and treasure more than you love the truth.
“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me.” (Psalms 139:23-24)
