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| "And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures.." (Titus 2:12) |
So much of the world today is becoming feeling based. What I mean is, people are being controlled by their feelings and making decisions purely based on a feeling. I bring this up because of an ethics class I took this past fall. I realized all of our discussions were followed by a question, whether each circumstance/action was "right or wrong". Of course being in a 20+ class there is always people saying "yes they were right" or "no they were wrong" or "the person was both right and wrong". These opinions were purely that, viewpoints based on ones feeling of the situation. So then, that brings the question, who is right? How do we decide what is right and wrong because everyone has their own feelings. I may feel having a chocolate bar every morning is okay and another person may say that isn't okay. That is just a silly example but what about more serious life questions? Can every individual just go off how they feel? As long as it feels right for you, does it make it right?
I am going to give a plain answer that you may not like, your feelings does not mean something is true or right. Let me say it another way, We can't base our actions on how we feel, because it could lead us to a path of lies or bondage. Now I am not saying feeling are invalid or unimportant and should never be considered. No, feelings are a very real BUT our feelings are based on the moment and each individual. So if our feeling are so fickle, how can we base ethics (right and wrong) on any persons feelings. Majority may feel that this one thing is right but I can tell you there is always one that thinks differently. So in this case, does majority always portray what is right? Do you see what I am getting at? People have to have a standard when taking action, and the standard has to be true always, in all cases. Well I can tell you one thing, you aren't going to find something like that among people here. So is it just impossible? No. Jesus is that standard. Jesus is never changing, He is Truth, anything that does not line up with His words is false despite any feeling (Jhn 14:6; Heb 13:8).
So why is it so easy to get caught up on feelings? Why is it "church folk" go to church to feel good? Why is it easier to make an action/decision because it "feels good"? Why is it so easy to be swallowed by doubt, fear, and uncertainty? How come our feelings can have such a control over our lives? My answer to this is that it is because the devil will use any and everything to keep us focused on ourselves. Feelings is purely based on "how I feel". Again feelings are not bad or wrong but feelings can be used to manipulate us into to not seeing the facts. That is why it is of the utmost importance to hold onto and know what is truth and the facts of the matter. When our feelings are leading us to lies, we can hold on to the truth that is never changing (Jesus). Jesus tells us to take your eyes off this world (off of ourselves) and look to Him, where the truth lies (Heb. 12:2; Titus 1:2).
Jesus walked through this life as a human, He knows the struggle, He had to fight against His feelings by looking back at God the Father, pulling strength from the Holy Spirit. Jesus knows how it feels to be abandoned from friends and family, He knows how it feels to be hated by your community, He knows the feeling of being alone, not heard, disregarded. Jesus knows and says "trust me! I Love you daughter! I love you son! I want you as part of my family! I know the struggle is real, don't let your feelings hide the truth!"
Chasing feelings can lead to a path of destruction, lies and bondage. How do I know this? Because Titus 2: 12 says we should turn from sinful pleasures. So right there it tells me, some of our pleasures/feelings are not right, they are sinful. So I must turn from those feelings, don't act on them but rather turn to God and live a life that honors Him.
I want to challenge you today take one step. That step is to lift your eyes to the Lord (Psalm 121: 1-2). He wants to help you through your circumstance right now! Maybe you are wrestlings with your feelings and I want you to know you are not alone! I want you to pick one promise from the Bible that specifically contradicts the feeling you are struggling with and memorize it. Say it out loud every time your feelings tries to lead you down a path that is not true, hold on to the promise!
Thank you Lord for your grace!! I feel I fail continually Lord, but I KNOW you are truth and my firm foundation. NO MATTER how I feel Lord, you reign forever! Help me to get strength from your Holy Spirit. I want to be lead by you, every action, every thought, every word spoken. I pray for this reader today that you speak to them, help them to lift their eyes to you Jesus. You are our Healer, Provider, Way Maker, Lord and so much more!! Thank you Lord! Thank You! I live to worship you and bring glory to your name. Sharing the truth to every ear that will hear.
In Jesus Name,
AMEN
Spirit Lead Me : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ko4yroBP0A