Proper Basis Of Faith!

Feelings may neither be right nor wrong in and of themselves. They are merely indicators of how something is impacting us or is perceived. Feelings just are what they are. However, we must be mindful of what actions they prompt us toward. Feelings can be powerful motivators, but being motivated only by them can be misleading.

Here is an experiment you might want to try. Place one hand in a bowl of hot water and the other hand in a bowl of ice water for a few minutes. Then place both hands in separate bowls of room temperature water and see what your senses tell you. The amazing thing that happens is the hand that was in the hot water feels cold while the hand that was in the ice water feels hot. Though the water is the same temperature the feelings tell a different story. It is only our KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH THAT AFFIRMS the temperature is the same.

There are many who base their faith and religion on feelings and though feelings should be involved in our worship and life those feelings need to be based on a KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH.

In reference to his Jewish brethren Paul stated…
“(1) Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. (2) I bear them witness that THEY HAVE A ZEAL FOR GOD, BUT NOT ACCORDING TO KNOWLEDGE.” ( Romans 10:1-2 ESV)

Paul himself had been there. He had been at a point when he felt he must do everything possible to destroy the church. (i.e. Acts 22:3-5; 26:9) There is no question regarding the passion Paul brought to that work, but it was in ignorance that he was involved in the persecution. Once the KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH gained its foothold in his life that passion became properly directed.

Writing to the church at Philippi, Paul offered this prayer.
“(9) And it is my prayer THAT YOUR LOVE MAY ABOUND MORE AND MORE, WITH KNOWLEDGE AND ALL DISCERNMENT, (10) so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, (11) filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” ( Philippians 1:9-11 ESV)

There is only a one letter difference between the “Word” and the “world”, but the ideologies are worlds apart! May we grow in a passionate love for a KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH that helps us discern the things of this life properly. A passion based on the TRUTH OF GOD will be a safeguard for our own life and aid us in helping others find their way as well. What we know of God’s Word will make a world and eternity of difference.

Have a great day LIVING A LIFE AFFIRMED BY GOD!
Carl

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