Face it! - Faith Over Feelings

Fundamental to the Christian life is the concept of walking by faith. Our lives are lived in step-by-step increments, directed by what we believe (2 Cor. 5:7, 8). Faith, often described as a blind leap into the dark, is, according to scripture, a visionary step into well-lit paths (Ps. 119:130; Acts 26:18; Jn. 3:18-21). Faith is simply and scripturally defined as believing what God has revealed or believing what God said because He said it. That is faith (Rom. 10:16-17; 1 Thess. 2:13; et al.).

One of the most destructive influences in Christianity at large would be the misleading notions of mysticism. This philosophical determination to look within for truth, judging all things by the voices in one’s head, has replaced biblical discernment for much of the Christian world. Some denominations and movements are more affected by mysticism than others. However, even some of the most conservative Bible-believing groups conflate emotional conclusions and internal impulses with the voice of God. If we add to the tendency to “look within” for truth, the tsunami-level waves of opinion from social media sources, pop culture, and liberal theology, we are confronted with a Christian culture riddled with confusion but determined to continue without rebuke. Postmodernism has attempted to make acquiescence with reprehensible levels of contradiction appear principled. To these people, radical degeneracy is fine. Being judgmental is sin of the darkest hue. Rank blasphemy and profane utterances amount to free expression and authenticity. Being faithful to one’s religious convictions is not nice. It is not kind to see distinctions and recognize the disparity between up and down, good and evil, upright and perverse.

We should expect sin from sinners and godlessness from those who have rejected God. The more pertinent issue with the faithful believer is our tendency to remove the lenses of scripture and view the world with unsanctified eyes. Too often, secularism overtakes our thinking. We adopt the philosophies of the pagan world without noticing. The only antidote to this ideological and behavioral seepage is to “let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom” (Col. 3:16).

We all have complex, some even unbearable realities to face. We have a choice concerning how we see them. We can view these struggles with the eyes of humanism like most people or face them faithfully by examining them through the lenses of scripture - understanding our world theologically. While some of our struggles are the unavoidable consequences of Providence and circumstance, much of our trouble results from nurturing unscriptural ideas - vain imaginations exalted against the knowledge of God (Rom. 1:21-23; 2 Cor. 10:4-5). Flawed thinking is a pitfall for us all. I can be anxious because of my refusal to trust God with details beyond my control. I can be resentful because of my inability to be gentle in spirit and content with whatever state I am required to endure. I can be angry because of self-will or frustrated by the machinations of evil men. By humility and seeing myself through biblical lenses, spiritual wisdom can replace my foolish emotions and philosophies.

Western civilization has become a culture defined by its determination to “do that which is right in its own eyes” (Jud. 21:25). This milieu of moral chaos should be expected in a society more offended by rectitude than compromise. Twentieth Century evangelist and philosopher, Francis Schaeffer, identified the change in how modernity views the truth as the culprit for our shocking, moral declension. This change, he said, is how you account for the generation gap. For the first time in the history of the West, father and son sit at the same table with nothing in common. Schaeffer taught that this change is how society views the truth - a rejection of absolutes. This change marks the line of despair for the culture. Without a belief in presuppositional absolutes, there can be no other destination than despair. 

Schaeffer illustrates this descent as a cascading decline of influences, with sundry ideological disciplines leading the culture beyond the parameters of hope. In this diagram, Schaeffer suggests that philosophy (the intellectuals in higher education) influences art and entertainment, which shapes the general culture. The culture then influences politics and theology. In summary, the godless intellectuals facilitate “progress,” which, in turn, determines popular theology. This move takes place chronologically and geographically (from Europe to America). The most shocking point is that once these ideas reach the theological departments, what seems to be a new idea has already taken root in society. Lies and perversion have been taught in the colleges, portrayed in art, embraced by the people, and then, sadly, preached from the pulpits as virtue. Apostasy does not emerge from a meaningless vacuum. It is propagandized with diabolical purpose.

Bible-believing Christianity must begin with God and His clearly communicated will concerning all essential matters and strive to live accordingly. Our faith must navigate, not our emotions or alliances. Our challenge is to stand up against the crashing tides of infidelity and sin. By facing life with a biblical, Christian, and theological worldview, we find order, stability, and peace with God. This outlook will bring the richness of genuine worship into our hearts but will not earn us favor with the world that hates God and always has (Jn. 15:18-19). 

You have one life to live. Face it faithfully. Following your heart, guided by your feelings will lead to error and ruin. Believe God’s truth concerning the Godhead, yourself, and the world in which you live. Base your convictions on the clear teaching of God’s word and educate your preferences and emotions accordingly.