STEADY GROUND MINISTRY BLOG written Feb 8 26

 

CHOICES LEAD, FEELINGS FOLLOW

The pastor at the church I attend, today talked about being a Vessel of Honor to God.   As part of that discussion, he had us write down a phrase I wanted to do some digdown into:  Choices LEAD, feelings FOLLOW.

As a Christian, our CHOICES should always be Biblical and after you ask God to direct you in that choice.

Believe me, I’ve made share of choices without asking God for guidance and direction, and they’ve always put me in a mess.

But, thank God that His Grace allows us to come to Him and ask for both forgiveness for not asking for His direction first, then asking him what direction He wants me to take to resolve the poor choice I’ve made.

I did a google search on Scripture that talks about our choices and how He wants us to approach them.   Here are some of the ones that spoke to me.   All Scripture is from the New International Version: 

Proverbs 3:5–6 (Choosing Trust): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight".

Galatians 5:16 (Choosing the Path): "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh". Walking is a deliberate choice that prevents one from being ruled by momentary desires.

Matthew 5:44 (Choosing Love): "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you". Love is presented as a command and a decision to benefit others, regardless of personal feelings.

Hebrews 12:2 (Choosing Focus): "...fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God". Jesus chose endurance because of a future joy, not because of how he felt during the suffering.

Colossians 3:15 (Choosing Peace): "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." This instruction to let peace rule means making it the "umpire" over our internal feelings.

Allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our choices after prayer, getting into the Word, and getting wise counsel from mature believers that have been on the journey as long or longer than I have, enable my choices to be the ones that are the right ones and give Him the glory.

I’m talking to myself when I say again, what my pastor said this morning:   Choices LEAD, feelings FOLLOW.    Ask God to help you in making your choices and you’ll find STEADY GROUND TODAY with Christ!