Putting Emotions in Their Place

 

We are all emotional human beings—some more than others, but we all have real emotions. Emotions are essential and allow us to experience life’s greatest feelings. However, sometimes, our emotions influence us too much, and we later find out that emotionally motivated decisions are usually shortsighted. Emotions make things feel very real but can give us a false sense of security if we fail to apply logic and reason.

I loved showing the 1933 Disney version of the story of The Three Pigs to my grandkids. It’s eight minutes long, and they all loved it. As we were watching it, a simple illustration of life emerged. The three pigs all build their own houses in their own ways. The first is out of straw, the second is out of sticks, and the third is out of bricks. The first two pigs are done right away and go to play. They tell their brother they are done while he is still working and has no time for play. They sing a little song about their brother that says, “He don’t take no time to play. All he does is work all day.” The hardworking pig responds, “Play, laugh, and fiddle, but don’t think you can make me sore. I’ll be safe, and you be sorry.”

The two playful pigs are full of emotion and feel that life is good. They aren’t afraid of the wolf despite their brother warning them that only brick houses are wolf-proof. Feeling confident that they could handle the wolf if he appeared, they sing about what they would do to him, “I’ll punch him in the nose, I’ll tie him in a knot, I’ll kick him in the shins, and I’ll put him on the spot.”

Then, suddenly, the wolf appears, and they are overwhelmed with fear. All their boasting about their courage goes up in vapor. They do nothing of what they propose to do and instead run for their lives. The prophetic words of their wiser brother come true as the wolf blows their houses down. They are only safe because they run to his brick house.

The 70 disciples in Luke 10 that Jesus sent out into ministry returned with glowing reports of success. They were joyful that miracles had occurred and demons had been subject to them. They were like the gleeful little pigs so infused with positive emotions of their success that they forgot tough times could come at any time and life could return to humdrum. Jesus responded to the disciples, “I’m glad things went well for you and that you saw people healed and demons cast out, but be careful thinking you have it figured out. I saw the greatest devil cast out of heaven, but you don’t hear me bragging about it. I will tell you, however, what you can rejoice about, and that is that you belong to my father and that you have a home in heaven (Luke 10:18-20).

All too often, we are like the little pigs when things are going well, and we like to make sure we get the credit for our accomplishments. Jesus says to remember your perspective is very small, and you don’t know when things will change; therefore, boast about what will never change. Emotions are a gift from God, but they are never to be solely relied upon without logic and reason. Your position in Christ is supported by your emotions, your reason and your faith.

The Way of Cain vs. the Way of John

 

The Way of Cain vs. the Way of John

 

The first murder recorded is Cain killing his brother when Cain’s emotions took control of him.  Jude calls his example the Way of Cain. Everything got its start over jealousy with Abel’s offering accepted by God and Cain’s resentment of God for rejecting his offering.

Cain resented Able’s good fortune and coveted it for himself. God described sin to Cain as a beast crouching at the door, ready to pounce on him (Gen 4:1-16). If Cain did not master it, the monster would destroy his life. God warned Cain that things would rapidly degenerate far beyond his control if he ignored the warning.

We get a portrayal of ourselves in the story of Cain and the kindness of God to help us control our emotions. What we see is not flattering because it is a depiction of our rebellion against God. That sinful nature does not belong just to Cain; it belongs to each of us. Anger, jealousy, and frustration must be dealt with head-on. They cannot be ignored because, left to themselves; they will become uncontrollable beasts.

There is, however, another way—the way of John. John the Baptist demonstrates a magnanimous heart so big that he has no time for petty jealousy or rivalry. The setting was that Jesus’ ministry was eclipsing John’s ministry, and John’s loyal disciples were jealous and felt threatened.

An argument developed out of comparison. Since both John and Jesus’ disciples were both baptizing, they wondered which baptism is superior? Is it John’s, or is it Jesus’?” John the Baptist’s disciples were jealous of what was happening. They came to John, “Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan — the one you testified about — well, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him” (John 3:26).

What are we going to do?” this was hyperbole because not “all” were going to Jesus. John was still performing the work of baptism, but his disciples were worried that their master’s ministry was diminishing.

John’s answer is incredible: “A man can receive only what is given him from heaven” (John 3:27).

This is the way of John, and it is so much better than the way of Cain. There is a dysfunctional tendency to play down the achievements of others and uplift our own. If someone is doing well, we attribute it to something freakiest. But, if we are successful, it is because of our hard work and intelligence! Let us remember that “A man can receive only what is given him from heaven.” heaven.”  

John had this view of life and ministry because he had a firm idea of God’s sovereignty. He could recognize the success of others around him because God was giving those gifts. Selfishness and jealousy make us ugly. Belief in God’s sovereignty made us attractive.

John the Baptist found joy in serving God, not in his fame or titles. His illustration of the joy in the bridegroom describes how John looked at his ministry. Choose the Way of John over the Way of Cain!

 

(Parenting with a Long View) https://bovdbrooks.com/