Our Feelings are not a Good Basis for Our Decisions
For more than 25 years, Kevin Nash and I have camped in the BWCAW in northern MN. We love God’s nature, we enjoy the fellowship with men who share our experiences, and we relish the physical challenges on the trail. We seek physical re-creation and spiritual renewal on these trips. But our most recent trip reminded me of a fundamental life lesson: facts are a more solid foundation than feelings for our decisions.
Last week, on our last morning of the trip, Kevin pointed the wrong way as we started our daytrip to his truck. In our history together, he has proven to be a better navigator than me, but I was convinced that he was mistaken. I felt so strongly that I was right. To settle the matter, Kevin finally laid down his paddle and presented his best argument. ‘Doug, the sun always rises in the east, and that’s the direction that we need to go.’ Again, he was right…
Our life journey will be better when we use facts to make our decisions. Maybe you know someone who feels very strongly about a given issue, but the facts simply don’t back them up. There’s no doubting their conviction, but their foundation is shaky.
Here are a couple of examples where the Bible contradicts some of society’s basic premises:
“A loving God cannot possibly condemn the majority of people and keep them out of heaven.” God loved the world and wants to save the world (John 3 and 2 Peter 3), but there is a narrow gate that will preclude many people from salvation (Matthew 7).
“I’m not worth anything to God – I’ve made so many mistakes that He can’t possibly love me.” We are God’s handiwork, and we are created for a purpose (Ephesians 2). No matter what we have done, no matter the mistakes we have made, His grace is sufficient for us (2 Corinthians 12).
“I think Jesus was a good man and his teachings are terrific, but I just don’t feel that I have to obey him.” In His life on earth, Jesus spoke the words of God the Father, and He gave us an example of love and service. When we live by His example, we will be blessed (John 13 and 14). But, loving Jesus means keeping His commandments (John 14).
Be strong and courageous in the Lord this coming week.