I recently saw a bumper-sticker that said, “Vote for Trump...I don't care about your feelings.” I guess what that sticker was trying to say was don't let your “feelings” for Trump personally get in the way of voting for constructive policies.

In the Christian life, we often allow “feelings” (passions, moods, heartstrings) get in the way of the constructive ways of God...His “policies.” “Feelings” are often shaped by our sin natures and keep us from listening for and obeying the voice of God. Jeremiah 17:9 reminds us— “The heart (where feelings originate) is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; Who can know it?”

Jay Adams, in his book Competent to Counsel, teaches this approach to counseling: “lovingly confronting people out of deep concern in order to help them make those changes that God requires. By confrontation we mean that one Christian personally gives counsel to another from the Scriptures. He does not confront him with ‘feelings,' either his own or those of whom he is counseling.”

Wise counsel...not only for those who counsel, but as a guiding principle for living the Christian life.

We often try to put “the cart before the horse”...that is, we think our “feelings” should be the driving force that leads us to a deepening relationship with the Lord. No. Our obedience to “God's policies” should be our driving force. Feelings will follow, but they will be feelings of victory, joy, and gratitude. Our bumper-stickers should read—“I vote for God's word...I don't care about ‘feelings.” My prayer for you and me this day is this...Lord, may the words of the Psalmist ring true in our lives— “How can a young man or woman keep their way pure? By keeping it according to Your word.” (Psalm 119:9) Help us to put aside our “feelings” and commit ourselves to Your “policies.” Amen

Walk with the King today and be a blessing.