“But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard. He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went. And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not. Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him” (Matthew 21:28-32).

On various occasions, our Lord asked questions of His audience appealing to their intellect. He did not ask them, “How do you feel about this?” Nor did he ask, “How does that make you feel?” Or even, “When that happened, how did it make you feel?” No, our Lord wanted people to think. He wanted them to engage their mind and intellect. The reason for such was to settle things in their minds. It is when the mind is convinced that matters become settled and solid convictions can come to be formed. When the heart and feelings get involved, things can become messy and fickle.

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9).

The mind must not follow the heart. Meaning our convictions must not be based on our feelings or emotions. Rather, the heart must follow the mind. Meaning that we must think deeply about the things God has said, become soundly convinced we recognize what His will is, then form convictions that rest solidly on God’s Word. When one does that, they can then rejoice and feel great about their relationship with God. Now, go back and read the story Jesus told above and consider His question. Which of the two sons truly respected their father? The one who gleefully said, “I go.” Or the one who reflected on his actions, repented, and went to do the will of his father? You know, don’t you? Complying with the will of our Father in heaven is something we must do! Have you done the will of Jesus by believing and being baptized (Mark 16:16)? The will of God for you begins with repenting and being baptized for the remission of your sin (Acts 2:38). What THINK ye? Are you doing the will of God?