I spoke to someone recently about our faith, wills, obedience and where emotions fit in. We live in a culture that is emotion-driven. We live emotion-driven lives. Too often we practice emotion-driven faith. If we are emotion-driven in life we will never find stability or experience that unmovable faith that cries out, “I know my Redeemer lives!” no matter what trial or circumstance we experience.
Still, an emotion-less life is not good either and emotion-less faith can become cold, uncaring, legalistic. Yesterday I reminded us of the fact that Jesus “was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” The first part of that verse, however, speaks of the sympathy of Jesus, our High Priest. “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses….” [Heb 4:15 NKJV]
If we read the Gospel of Mark we see Jesus, our High Priest, described as having all kinds of emotions; he was angered, filled with compassion, and deeply distressed to name just a few.
So, is it emotion-driven or emotion-less? Neither. It’s realizing that we have redeemed-emotions. When Christ redeemed us, He did it completely, spirit, soul (mind-will-emotions) and yes, eventually a redeemed body. When our emotions are redeemed they fall into the correct place in our lives. They no longer drive us, nor remain hidden. They follow.
Faith by grace fills our spirits. Our minds are made new through the work of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God which allows us to know His good and perfect will. Our wills cooperate with the Spirit and become obedient (sanctified) to God’s will. And our redeemed-emotions flow with praise, worship, delight, joy beyond expression. Redeemed-emotions come alive with God’s compassion.
Thank you, Lord, for redeeming the whole of us – spirit, soul (mind-will-even emotions) and body!
