Emotions vs. Biblical Principles [Spiritual Maturity 4]

In this section, we conclude on the topic of spiritual maturity by discussing faith, confidence in the Lord, and acting based on truth and not emotion.

7. Active faith vs. cautious apathy and doubt*
Do we doubt the Lord's promises easily when we don't see how it's going to be accomplished? Do we base our decisions on fear of something or someone? Do we have peace that the Lord is always working even when we don't understand or feel overwhelmed?

 "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord." James 1:5-7

When we doubt God, we are prideful because we assume that we have to control the situation in some way for it to get better or resolve. The wisdom of the Lord is not the same as the wisdom of man. God is ready to lead with His wisdom, and the mature Christian will have peace in praying about an unsettling situation because He has studied the Lord and knows that He is faithful and works all together for good to them who love the Lord and abide in His will. An immature Christian is easily persuaded by family members, friends, etc. to an opinion that may be good, but is not of God. As you can see, all of these points tie together. Our last point was about careful study of the Word- knowing what you believe and why, so that we can base our actions on these truths, and live in peace instead of fear. "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." James 1:17 God does not change His character, and He will not turn on you like gods would in Greek mythology. He gives good gifts and He loves you- faith in Him is a choice as well as something that the Lord develops in you as you grow in your walk with the Lord. Faith=action. Obey the Lord in the simple things and He will lead you to His will. This leads into the next point perfectly . . .

8. Confidence vs. fear 
 Do we expect an easy life because we follow God? Do we live with crippling fear on a daily basis?
2 Tim. 1:7 "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
Rom. 8:28 
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

Fear is not from God. We might experience fear, but when we turn to Him we have peace because He bestows upon us the spirit of power, love and a clear mind. The mature Christians KNOWS beyond any shadow of doubt that every circumstance will work together for good. He also knows that "good" means for the glory of God, not for the comfort of the Christian to an easy life full of material blessings. Do we have confidence that the Lord is going to accomplish good through every circumstance? When faced with fear, do we remember the promises of God and the character of God, and then exchange that fear with peace? Again, this point ties perfectly into the last . . .

9. Feelings and experiences evaluated in the light of God's Word vs. experiences evaluated according to feelings*
Emotions can overtake us as humans sometimes to make rash, foolish decisions. The immature Christians will be led by his/her feelings of fear, being offended, etc. and consequently act on those feelings which can be disastrous to the body of Christ and the immature Christian's testimony. A mature Christian takes a minute to evaluate their circumstances and feelings in the light of Christ and His power which they have available to them to sustain them. They act upon facts of the Word of God, not emotions of the human. Gal. 5:19-26

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

In a very clear picture, the "works of the flesh" which are of the human are contrasted to the "fruit of the Spirit" which is only achieved by the power of Christ growing in the Christian. Emotions are involved in all these works of the flesh, and if that's the motivation for our actions, there is some spiritual immaturity to be dealt with. Are you constantly offended about menial things that you then dislike a person because of it? Do you lose your temper easily and say things you regret? Do you doubt God because others you trust fail you? Do you make decisions and form opinions on how your emotions line up with the issue?

 Hebrew 5:14 "But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." The mature Christian has discernment as a result of frequent usage of the principles of God. He will be able to call out the false teachers, and realize when God's will is not being done. Note that the word here "exercise" is used, meaning that in order to achieve maturity, one must work at it! Daily making a choice to see everything in the light of the Word of God, basing our actions on fact rather than emotion, we are able to discern the truth of God. When we study and work hard to learn and meditate on the Word of God, and then totally depend on Him to lead us, we gain discernment. 

Spiritual maturity has nothing to do with physical age. Most Christians today are baby Christians, because they're satisfied with being saved from hell. They want to control their own lives, and are satisfied to get a free pass. What blessings the continual baby Christian misses out on! Are you actively investing in a new Christian? Do you turn to the Scriptures when faced with a moral dilemma and beg the Lord for His perspective to take the place of yours? Are you patient and loving toward the body of Christ you are part of, and are you an active part of that body? Do you base your personal beliefs and lifestyle on Bible verses after careful study? Do you have assurance in your salvation and the peace of God to know that the Lord only has good for you in your circumstance? Like Paul said, let us all "examine" ourselves for marks of immaturity. Most of us have an area where we can isolate it. Then, ask God to help you to be committed as a student of the Word, and ask Him to help you truly know Him, and understand your relationship to Him. 

 "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us," Eph. 3:20