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Steve Says

We currently live in a time of emotionalism. What this means is that we are so focused on our emotions that we often let our emotions dictate our reality. This is often characterized with words like “I feel”. Now don’t get me wrong, emotions are good! They were created by God so that our lives could be better! However, God never intended for our emotions to dictate our entire lives.  

The problem with emotionalism is that it makes emotions the most important aspect of life instead of emotions being one of the many aspects of life. Emotions end up taking over and facts and logic take a back seat. Emotions are powerful for a reason! When you get up 50 feet in the air your emotions tell you that you are not safe even if you are only looking over the railing of a very safe bridge. In this instance emotions are a defense mechanism that God has created inside of us to keep us away from harm. Sometimes, however, those emotions can paralyze us and keep us from doing things we should do.

Emotionalism has invaded the Church. Look at the Apostles, many of them died because of their faith. Were they scared? I assume so, but they proceeded anyway because their faith gave them strength. Today, in the Church, emotionalism convinces people that “A good God wouldn’t tell me that I can’t do this” and emotion dictates that sin is acceptable even though the Word of God speaks against it. Emotionalism has convinced many that “God wouldn’t require baptism; we just need to accept Jesus into our hearts” even though the Word of God is clear that baptism IS essential for salvation. Emotionalism even convinces many that “Hell can’t be real because a good God couldn’t punish what He created” even though the Word of God makes it clear that if we reject Jesus that we would be rejected.

Emotions are good, but we cannot let emotions destroy Truth. If you believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God, you need to accept what the Bible says even if your emotions don’t agree. I can’t claim that God is Lord of my life but contradict His Word at the same time. The Word of God and emotionalism cannot co-exist. We must put God FIRST! As Romans 12:2 says “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”