Living by Faith or by Feeling?

What gets us up and going spiritually?  Does our spiritual life consist of a series of highs powered by our favorite music?  Do we require a certain atmosphere or ceremony to lift us to feelings of worship?  Is fellowship what we live and die for?  Does the cup of coffee that we imbibe while reading our Bible produce a better sense of well being than fellowship with God Himself?  Does the absence of suffering and conflict produce in us a sense of well being with God?

As we begin this new year, perhaps it would be good to evaluate whether we are motivated by faith or by feelings.   If we can answer yes to any of questions above, perhaps it is time to repent and to confess it as sin.  The Scripture says the just shall live by faith.

Faith is a firm persuasion or conviction that comes from hearing the Word of God*.  Experiences that produce good feelings do not build faith.  Only Scripture can build faith.**

What are we listening to?

**So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.  Romans 10:17

Note: If you have concluded from reading this that I am against good music, worship, fellowship, a good cup of coffee, and peace, then you have missed the point.  Our stability, discipline, and spiritual growth as believers is based on biblical faith, a firm persuasion or conviction from God’s Word, not emotional highs.

If you and I are persuaded that the Scripture is God’s infallible Word, how should that affect our lives?

…let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…

*W.E. Vines Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words – Copyright 1984, 1996, Thomas Nelson, Inc., Nashville, TN.

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