Discernment And Feelings

       If there was ever a time we needed the power of discernment, it is this time; because we live in a time where we must develop the art of distinguishing between seemingly ‘good’ which is evil and that which is truly good. The quest for knowledge and the understanding of the existence of man has given rise to an unprecedented interest in the way we feel and how these ‘feelings’ should point us in the ‘right’ direction. As a result decisions are taken based on what seems right to the eyes. In most traditions over time, decisions were based on natural laws and the common good. Now, however, with the advancement in technology, decisions are based on the feelings of those taking them. Unfortunately, this tactic had slowly seeped into the Church, given rise to messages that massage the feelings of men rather than bring them to maturity in God. The end result of this is that the lenses of discernment are colored by their feelings. One may argue that feelings are good as they help us to be better judges in things that will harm or benefit us; thus helping us to become more ‘self-aware’. As good as this argument may sound it is a dangerous path that will lead to self destruction and not self awareness: “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death” (Proverbs 14:12). 

       As the world winds up (yes, my friend, it is winding up), there is a terrible rise in the use of feelings to judge situations and circumstances. This had not fared the world well and it never will. As children of God, we have been called to be the light of the world, to showcase the power and might of our Lord Jesus Christ. This, we cannot do if we are operating based on how we feel. As children of God, we have been called to walk by faith and not by our feelings. If the heroes of Hebrews chapter 11 operated through feelings, we would not be reading about their exploits. For instance, Moses’ mother Jochebed would have been so overwhelmed with our feelings that she would not want to give up the child. If it were our time, we would sympathize and even fight for her to keep the child. Thank God that she didn’t, as going to the palace was part of the training Moses had to undergo to be who God called him to be. 

       Feelings are aroused by our senses and they don’t necessarily portray the truth. The fact that a thing looked good, felt good, sounded good or tasted good does not mean it is good for you! A songwriter once wrote: ‘It can’t be wrong, when it feels so right…’ Oh it certainly can be. Ask Eve! Friend, to have discernment to navigate all that is been thrown at us by the world system, there is a need for our faith to overshadow our feelings or we will find ourselves believing and buying into lifestyles that may look or sound logical but clearly negates the word of God. Someone once said, children of God must get real as they must ‘accommodate’ the leanings of the world. This sounds plausible, but the truth is there is no other reality except Christ! “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may be repaid for what he has done in the body, whether good or bad” (2Corinthians 5:10). Knowing this, we have the responsibility to learn to discern as there will be no excuses on that DAY. Being a child of God is not an invitation to immaturity but a daily growth as we learn of Him. God is always ready to train us once we submit daily to His word: “For everyone who partakes of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Hebrews 5:13-14). Therefore, before taking that decision, why not step back, look again, but this time, with the eyes of the Lord? Ask the Lord and He will give you the strength and courage to do this. May the Lord flood your heart with His light so that you will be able to discern between good and evil so as to stand for the truth even when everyone around you is on the wrong. God bless you.