Emotions Are A Gift From God

 

Life can be hectic for all of us, and when it is, we can be overwhelmed by our emotions. That is a critical moment because we are tempted to believe our feelings more than our thinking. What we feel may not be completely accurate. In fact, we should not always trust our emotions because they can lead us astray. However, emotions are a gift from God. He gave us the whole spectrum of emotions: joy, excitement, happiness, surprise, and even anger, fear, and sadness. Our emotions were given to us to help us feel life, whether that is good or bad. They were never meant to have the final word in making our important decisions.  That direction comes from our minds. David said, “On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night” (Ps 63:6). That pictures a person sorting things out with their mind. We call that Biblical thinking. We think our way out of difficult situations with our minds, not with our feelings. Our emotions let us experience life in dimensions we would never know otherwise. The problem is that if we let our emotions overrule our thoughts, we will make wrong decisions.

My wife and I have some very good emotions when we think back to this very day, 49 years ago. Our first son was born on this day. Of course, with any birth there are a range of emotions.  There is joy, love, excitement, and even moments of awe. Then there is relief, one of the greatest of human emotions. That relief comes when the baby finally comes, and the labor is done. My wife and I were excited to bring home a little boy to join our two-year-old daughter, who was the joy of our lives.

However, in every situation, from childbirth to buying a new home, we need to use biblical thinking to override our emotions. Bad decisions often result from people reacting emotionally and not thinking them through. Someone may quit their job, co-sign a loan, or tell someone off because their emotions ruled the day. Emotions were given to us to experience life, not to tell us how to live. Only when we stop and think do we really see clearly. Sometimes, when we are overwhelmed by our feelings, we need to stop and think: “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth” (Psalm 46:10).

 

Whatever is Excellent or Praiseworthy

The connection between our thoughts and our state of mind is real. If our thoughts are filled with negative emotions such as anger, fear, sadness, loneliness, shame, and guilt, then our body and emotional state will be dragged down by these powerful emotions. We experience the full effect of each emotion, which takes its toll on our bodies and leaves us fatigued and unmotivated. The body and mind track our thoughts and accumulate the negative impact. What we think about affects us in so many different ways. The Apostle Paul encouraged the Philippians to be joyful. He exhorted them not to let anxiety take control of their thoughts. He told them that instead of being anxious, they should present their needs to God with a thankful spirit. He assured them that, by choosing to let God have their anxiety, God would give them an extraordinary peace that would guard their hearts and minds (Philippians 4:4-7).

What follows in Paul’s extraordinary letter to the Philippians is a wonderful prescription for elevating our thinking. As a result, our thoughts produce positive emotions such as joy, gratitude, desire, hope, and love. Here is Paul’s advice: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8). By thinking on excellent things, our minds have the opportunity to contemplate these things and give us peace and fulfillment.

Whatever is true, we have to sort out the false from the true; whatever is noble. Here is a wonderful word that asks us to look for what has high moral character. Whatever is right. We need to focus on what is right, especially in a culture that turns right upside down and exalts wrong. Whatever is pure—unadulterated. We are bombarded with filth, and we forget that pure things exist—and God wants us to dwell on them. Whatever is lovely, we forget to look around and see the lovely in God’s creation. Whatever is admirable. When we see what is admirable, we are inspired. Paul says, “think about such things.” This is how we change our lives by thinking thoughts that bring inspiration, peace, joy, and courage.   Reading and memorizing Scripture is an excellent way to fulfill Paul’s prescription.

                                                                                              

Author of Crianza Responsiva:

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Crime Doesn't Pay

 An SS officer named Adolf Eichmann became a rising star in Hitler’s Nazi army. Asked to head up the mission to rid the city of Vienna, Austria, of Jews in 1938. He did a very efficient job.

In January 1942, Eichmann was put in charge of the final solution—a code name for exterminating all the Jews in Europe. He was in charge of finding, transporting, and killing millions of Jews in the Nazi death camps. He carried this duty out with horrifying efficiency, exhibiting no conscience. He killed around four million Jews in the camps, while another two million were executed elsewhere. After the war, Eichmann escaped justice by fleeing to Argentina, where he made a life for himself and his family in Buenos Aires.

On May 11, 1960, Israel’s Mossad operatives snatched Eichmann away as he was walking from the bus to his home. A Year later, Eichmann’s trial began in Jerusalem. He claimed he was following orders, but the judges found him guilty and sentenced him to die. On May 31, 1962, he was hanged. Justice was late, but it came with finality for Eichmann.

A story in 2 Samuel is about a young Amalekite who brought news to David. He brought an embellished story of how Saul had died. He fully expected that his story would place him in the good graces of the new king. He distorted the truth enough to make himself the “hero” of his story. He claimed he had killed Saul to ease his suffering. He thought David would see his significant accomplishments and reward him. Surely, David wanted the crown. This was his plan and logical thinking, but the Amalekite picked the wrong king because David did not think like that.

We know that the young man who came to David had not, in fact, killed Saul. He just claimed that he had. He fabricated his lie in order to achieve his plan. What he did not understand was David’s righteousness. He miscalculated by not taking into account the character of this king. David asks him, “How is it that dared touch the Lord’s Anointed? (2 Samuel 1:14). David gave the order to execute him.

The Amalekite thought he could seek David’s kingdom while ignoring the king’s righteousness. He exemplifies all who think wrongdoing pays when God’s king reigns. Those who entertain that thought fail to realize that they will ultimately stand before the Lord in final judgment.

Eichmann appeared to have escaped justice for many years, but he did not. It may seem that many have escaped justice, but they will not because the king of the Universe, Jesus Christ, is the one who determines the final outcome. Those who believe God’s Word know it is foolish to defy God’s justice. The Lord forgives those who repent. He restores those who turn to him for help. He has mercy on those who humble themselves. He heals those who cry out to him. But he does not reward unrighteousness.

Does Crime Pay?

 There are two significant views about crime: first, those who believe crime is wrong say, “Crime doesn’t pay.” That is because the negative consequences of being caught are not worth any benefit the crime brings to the perpetrator.

The second view: “Crime does pay.” Those who believe that crime does pay. Few really think there is nothing to be gained from criminal activity. If that were true, criminals would have learned the lesson by now. However, all over the world, crime continues to happen. Those who break the law believe they will benefit.

One of the reasons criminals believe today that crime pays is because it does. Many of our laws have enabled them to continue their criminal behavior and not be punished. An example is California’s infamous law allowing a person to steal up to $1000 without punishment. Doing away with the cash bail system in many cities has allowed criminals to be turned back on the street as fast as they are arrested. There are those in our society who love the criminal and want to excuse lawless behavior because the perpetrator has not had an equal chance in life. Therefore, for the most part, we do not have severe enough consequences to deter criminal behavior. Today, there is a lack of moral clarity, which effectively enables criminals to continue their lifestyles. There’s a fear that overly strict punishments disproportionately impact marginalized communities.

This view of not punishing criminals because they haven’t had a fair shake in life would be what Solomon wrote about: “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death” (Proverbs 16:25). Also Solomon spoke about what happens when we fail to swiftly punish the criminal we only encourage others to do the same: “When the sentence for a crime is not quickly carried out, people’s hearts are filled with schemes to do wrong” Ecclesiastes 8:11). The lack of a strong deterrent is a strong reason for others to join the criminal in his illegal and immoral behavior: “You must purge the evil from among you. The rest of the people will hear of this and be afraid, and never again will such an evil thing be done among you” Deuteronomy 19:19-20). Consequently, crime continues the world over because crime can pay.

Christians believe in reform and rehabilitation, which the Gospel does. However, this does not mean that we ignore what criminals perpetrate on society.

However, it would be wrong of us to believe that evil criminals are the only ones who do wrong. We should not overlook the wrong we all do—a small lie, rude behavior, a broken promise, a lousy attitude, good we could have done but didn’t.  We do these things because we think we can gain something of benefit, some advantage, power, or even revenge. Our only hope for ourselves is to place our faith and confidence in the one who can save us and rehabilitate us—Jesus Christ.

Spiritual Weapons

The Battle of Stalingrad, where the Nazis attacked the Russians, resulted in the bloodiest battle in history. Over 2 million died in this one battle. The Germans anticipated taking the city in a few weeks, but it turned out to be six months, and they never took it. An entire German army was surrounded by the Russians and killed and taken as prisoners.  

The ravages of war were never more brutal than in the battle for Stalingrad. The atrocities of war, where men died every few seconds. The Germans had three enemies, the Russians, the Winter, and Hitler, who refused to allow this army of 330,000 elite soldiers to retreat. Only 91,000 survived to surrender to the Russians and only 6% of those survived.

We, too, are in a long battle with an enemy that does not give up. Spiritual battles are being fought every day. Unlike the Germans, who had a madman as their leader, we have a commander who empowers us to win. The Apostle Paul introduces us to his perspective on spiritual warfare. He tells us that we do not battle "against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" Ephesians 6:12).

Paul illustrated the believer's spiritual armor by highlighting the Roman Soldier's armor. He began by mentioning the belt and the breastplate. "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place" (Eph 6:14).

When a soldier tightened his belt, he was ready for combat. He cinched his belt and tightened his tunic so it could not impede him as he charged into battle. The belt also firmly held his sword in place. With it, he would be prepared to fight.

The belt calls us to truth—objective truth of scripture. This is what equips us to do spiritual warfare. We are often sloppy with giving details, so our carelessness results in falsehoods. God wants men and women of truth. We are to study God's Word and live it out.

The second weapon is the breastplate of righteousness, God's righteousness freely given to those who believe in Jesus Christ. Isaiah describes what our righteousness looks like to God: Isaiah "All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags;" (Isaiah 64:6). The Apostle Paul eloquently described the righteousness of God to the Corinthians: "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" 2 Cor 5:21).

Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, the Southern Kingdom of Israel, was informed that a vast army was coming against him. They were in a desperate situation and in no condition to fight such a powerful army. The first thing that Jehoshaphat did was to pray and inquire of the Lord. He proclaimed a fast for the people to come together and seek help from the Lord. The people came and sought the Lord (2 Chronicles 20:1-3).

Jehoshaphat prayed and asked God for help. He admitted that he did not know what to do. Their army was inadequate to fight, but their eyes were on the Lord (2 Chron 20:12). The Lord responded that they should go out and meet the enemy, but they would not have to fight. The Lord would fight for them (2 Chron 20:17).

King Jehoshaphat and all the people worshiped the Lord in gratitude. Then, the Levites and singers stood and praised the Lord in song. As they sang, the Lord set ambushes against the enemy so that they began to kill each other.

Spiritual warfare recognizes, like Jehoshaphat, that we cannot defeat the enemy and that our eyes are on the Lord. We need God to fight this battle; he will do so if we depend on him.

A Biblical Rationale for Voting

As Christians with a Biblical view, we can make a significant contribution to the election in November by only voting our values. Here are some issues by which to judge the candidates:

Pro-life: First and foremost is our pro-life position of supporting life in the womb. Any candidate that is pro-abortion should be eliminated immediately from consideration! Science confirms what the Bible already told us that life begins in the womb. Secondly, life is also sacred at the end of life and should be protected from any attempt to demean the value of life for our aged population.

Fiscal Accountability: Considering the spending of our Federal, state, and local governments, it appears no one in government knows how to balance a budget. If we have to balance our budgets, why should the government be allowed to spend without limits and continue to add to the national deficit? This means that we should oppose candidates that continually want to spend more money, thus raising taxes. Enough is enough! It’s time to balance the budget on the state and national level!

Security of the Nation: We have every right to expect that our government will protect us from danger from abroad but also maintain law and order in our cities. Any politician that has supported, aided, or appeased the lawlessness in our cities should be voted out of office. We need leaders that will support law enforcement and protect us.

The Courts: We have been given an incredible document called the United States Constitution to guide us as a nation. That document only has force if the courts at all levels appreciate and respect the Constitution. We need judges that will preserve the Constitution and property interpret that document.

Religious Liberty: We have heard the words “Freedom of Worship” over the last ten years, more and more. We, however, are interested in a whole lot more than freedom of worship. We want the freedom to practice our religion everywhere. How many bakers, artists, photographers, florists, and business people have been prohibited from practicing their faith in the workplace? Tyrants in government have prosecuted them for merely practicing their faith.

Marriage and Family: We are hearing less and less today about marriage and family as if it doesn’t matter. Many of our laws financially penalize people when they get married. The nuclear family that is defined as one man and one woman and their children needs to be supported by laws and policies that build up marriage and family. The LBGTQ is fighting to destroy the family as we know it today.

Education: The principal purpose of our educational system is to give basic education to our children and adolescents. The educational system has been high jacked by leftist principles of anti-God, anti-Christian, anti-family, anti-democracy, anti-biological gender. We need people elected to office that will confront the influential teachers’ unions and lobbies who perpetuate these principles that are antithetical to our Biblical beliefs.

Energy & Environment: Leftist views of our environment would utterly destroy our economy. Their draconian controls of our lives would be shocking! God has given the earth to us to dominate and care for it. We must be good stewards, but we are free to use what God has given to us. The Green policies of the left would enslave us to their socialistic forms of government they are obsessed with implementing.

Multiculturalism

Multiculturalism is a term we hear a lot today. In any academic field from high school to graduate school, it is a required course. Multiculturalism has spread across the world like wildfire. Most large companies require multicultural training. The idea behind this concept is that we should respect and accept all cultures because it makes us better. That sounds reasonable. Prejudice against any people is condemned in scripture because God looks at all people in the same way.

However, multiculturalism goes further than embracing the value of all human beings and denouncing racial prejudice. It encompasses the idea that all religions are equally good. We should, therefore, welcome all religions and give them an equal place in our belief system. Our constitution indeed establishes freedom for a plurality of religions. However, it is essential to know that multiculturalism judges anyone as bigoted and intolerant that does not entirely accept this concept.

It is here that we must part ways with multiculturalism when we are told that we cannot judge another religion. We cannot say Christianity is the true religion, and that there are false religions. To say that is to demonstrate societal prejudice. Multiculturalism spawns reverse bigotry and hatred toward those it deems to be the perpetrators of racism, thus “White Guilt.” The Biblical approach to solve the racial divide of the world is summed up by Micah, “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).

The prophet Elijah confronted multiculturalism when he challenged the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. He called all Israel and the prophets of Baal to a contest to decide who is the one true God. Elijah laid out the rules—offer a sacrifice but put no fire to it and the God that answers by fire will be proven to be the true God (1 Kings 18:20-29). This story is about whether there is really a true and living God who reigns above all other gods.

The account of the prophet Elijah on Mt Carmel challenging King Ahab and the prophets of Baal is relevant because it was a contest of religions. Ahab and his queen, Jezebel, welcomed other gods and tried to silence the voice of the prophets of the God of the Bible. Have you noticed how tolerant and inclusive societies welcome religions of all kinds? At the same time, these same societies do their best to silence the voices of Christians. There is a clear parallel to our time and the hostility we are seeing toward the gospel of Jesus Christ.

We see tolerance toward Islam and other religions while seeing hatred and intolerance toward Christianity. Bakers, florists, photographers, printers, and all kinds of business people are being sued and prosecuted by the state for their religious beliefs. In contrast, people of the Islamic faith who hold similar beliefs are tolerated and even celebrated. One might object that Christianity is rejected because of its exclusive view of One God, but Islam has the same view.

Mount Carmel was the Lord’s demonstration of the emptiness and futility of the Baal religion. Baal was not real because he had no voice. That matters because the Lord is real. The persistent problem with religion is that it replaces the reality of trusting God. All religions might seem harmless, but they are not. Paul told the Colossians, “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ” (Col 2:8). Paul emphatically said that reality is found in Jesus Christ. Religion is a set of beliefs, but Jesus is a living person that transforms your life.