(In the last blog we talked about the place of emotions in our life. We saw they are important responses, but not what we base our faith or decisions on. We’ll conclude this topic here.)
Emotion is great, but it must be in response to and based on the greatness of God and His grace to us. When something is done to get an emotional response, and it works, then that same thing must be done again and again, every week. People become addicted to feeling good and go where they’ll experience it every time they attend. But they won’t grow in faith, their roots won’t go deeper in Jesus and they won’t mature spiritually. They aren’t becoming more like Jesus, which is God’s goal for us in life (Romans 8:29). Jesus experienced much joy, but He didn’t depend on it nor did He expect it all the time in life.
When a church service focuses more on moving stories than God’s Word, when the spotlight is on the speaker and he is lifted up more than Jesus, when more time is spent on activities to entertain and bring enjoyment than challenges to turn from sin and grow in faith, then something is wrong. Yet these kinds of services often attract large crowds and enjoy great popularity. That really says something about the shallowness of Christianity in these places.
No one who knows me would call me an overly emotional person, but I do love feeling God’s presence in my life. It happens most in private worship or in preaching/teaching His Word. It comes in response to the Spirit revealing to me God’s greatness and awesome power and love. I cherish those times. But that’s just a small portion of my life. Most of the time I don’t feel those things, even though I still know the truth about God in my heart. Spiritual maturity isn’t based on being high on Jesus all the time, it’s keeping the faith when going through the daily routine of life and facing painful trials and difficulties. My feelings then are more of sadness, anxiety, stress and uncertainty. But I focus on the truth of God’s promises and love, even if I don’t experience them at the moment. That’s what builds spiritual maturity. During those times we must let our minds explain reality to our emotions. Our minds know that God will never leave us or desert us (1 Corinthians 3:16; 10:13; John 14:15-17, 24-26). Focus on that, no matter the circumstances you face.
How can we have the right balance of mind and emotions? How do we learn to mix our faith and feelings in right proportion? First of all, learn to focus on God instead of yourself. What you can do for Him is more important than what He can do for you. Unfortunately, in life we often want everything to revolve around us, even in church. Keep your focus on Jesus and all He has done for you. Don’t keep looking at yourself, your situation, your needs and hurts or your challenges and difficulties. You need to deal with them, but always see them in contrast to all you have in Jesus.
Then, fill your mind and heart with Scripture. Study the Bible daily. Think about it. Memorize passages that speak to you. Listen to Christian music or teachers so you can keep your focus on Him. When you come across a Bible passage that stands out, write it down and read it over and over. Commit it to memory.
Also, trust God’s promises, even (especially) when you don’t sense His presence or feel His nearness. He promises to always be with you and never leave you (Deuteronomy 31:6; Joshua 1:5; Hebrews 13:5) – believe Him. His nearness isn’t measured by your feelings but by His faithfulness. When you are confused or discouraged, talk to Him about it. At hard times, draw closer to Him, don’t turn from Him.
Romans 8:38-39 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
How is your balance between your mind and your emotions? Which direction to you lean to?
What have you learned about the place of emotions from these 2 blogs?
Read the verses above again. What is your mental response to this passage? What emotions come from this truth in God’s Word?
cto Rev. Dr. JERRY SCHMOYER
Christian Training Organization
Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org
(India & Africa & Spanish Outreach, Spiritual Warfare, Family Ministries, Counseling, World View)
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