Follow God, Not Just Feelings
A few years ago, Pixar released the kid’s animated film, Inside Out. The general plot of this movie is about how an 11-year-old girl named Riley wrestles with anger, sadness, joy, fear, and disgust. Throughout the film, we see characters representing these feelings discuss how to process what’s going on in her life. At different points, they argue, agree, and work together, all to help Riley make the right decisions.
Then, in one scene, all of the feelings collide and go on a wild and crazy “pin-ball” like adventure in her mind. During this process, she also starts creating new memories of her experiences. Eventually, the chaos subsides and returns to order when Joy and Sadness agree on each other’s role in her life. Even though it’s deemed a kid’s film, it tackles many issues adults face. These issues are how external conflicts have a significant effect on dictating our internal state.
Although the film explores the human aspect of emotions and how feelings can govern our lives, it leaves out an essential factor as followers of Christ. Yes, God created us to feel and have emotions; it’s part of being created in His image. Unfortunately, because of sin, feelings can also deceive us. Nevertheless, society is keen on telling us how we must do what “feels” right and that we should “follow our feelings.” However, Scripture tells us to value obedience over feelings to follow God. We often don’t feel like doing what God calls us to do, but rest assured that peace and strength will come from placing our trust in Him.
Daily Directive:
Answer and Journal the Following
Read:
1 Peter 1:13-15
Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct,
Pray:
Pray for courage to be obedient to what God calls you to do.
Meditate / Make It Real:
Contemplate and meditate on or memorize the passage. What is God saying to you? Then, determine what you will do with what you’ve learned.
Share / Show:
Share and show what you’ve learned with someone else.