Jesus spoke of two paths that we can choose to take in our lives here on the earth. There is a broad way that “leads to destruction” and a narrow way that “leads to life” (Mt. 7:13-14). We are to strive for the eternal life that is rewarded at the end of the narrow path. Paul told the Philippians to “press on toward the goal” (Phil. 3:14). But how do we find our way to and down this path?
God has not left us to grope in the dark. He has shown us the way. The psalmist wrote, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Ps. 119:105). The word of God is our guide. It shows us the way. The gospel is the “power of God for salvation” (Rom. 1:16). His word is the standard by which we will be judged (Jn. 12:48). We must follow the guide God has given us if we want to be saved in the end.
Yet many are allowing themselves to be guided by their feelings or emotions rather than God’s word. But our feelings are not a safe guide. Jeremiah said, “I know, O Lord, that a man’s way is not in himself, nor is it in a man who walks to direct his steps” (Jer. 10:23). The wise man wrote, “There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death” (Pr. 14:12). If we want to live pleasing to God, we cannot let our emotions direct our steps.
Despite these clear warnings in Scripture, many practices and beliefs are justified on the basis of how they make one feel. Many people feel good about taking money from the church treasury to send to an orphan home. Many are more emotionally stimulated when they use instruments of music in worship to God. Others feel good after teaching someone the gospel, but have left out the parts that could potentially offend that person for fear of running them off. One may feel good about these and a host of other things. But the proverb says, “There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death” (Pr. 14:12).
Others believe their feelings are from God, as if He was the one who laid this on their heart and caused them to feel this way. The obvious problem with this idea is how would one know their feeling was from God, and not their own conscience or even the devil? They may say that they know by faith. But Paul said, “faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ” (Rom. 10:17). How can we possibly know anything from God apart from His revealed word (1 Cor. 2:6-16).
Feelings are irrelevant when it comes to establishing truth. There is nothing wrong with emotions, but we need to be “of sober spirit” (1 Pet. 5:8) and not let our emotions rule over us. We must have Jesus as our Lord and be guided by His holy word.
