Throughout childhood, I read a chapter of the Bible every night. My good habit was challenged in high school. Routine became hypocritical, so I stopped. I only read the Word of God when I felt like it.
I cannot recall a specific teacher who introduced this twisted idea of hypocrisy. But somewhere along the way, I concluded feelings revealed how to be true to myself. This decision didn’t affect my school work. For some odd reason, algebra assignments and history essays were completed in spite of grumbling.
The disconnect remained for years. Sometimes I wonder if emotions and reality were shoved together and are still mismatched.
Washing 895 loads of laundry a month, preparing 302 meals a week, and cleaning floors 101 times a day had no place in my youthful dreams. My prince would build a cottage beneath the mountains where we would enjoy sunsets and thunderstorms. I didn’t realize how many floods would come.
Emotions are a gift from the Lord, but we are not designed to live according to the mood of the moment. Right now, I don’t feel like homeschooling. The honeymoon has worn off. The excitement of our first steps into learning brings a smile of remembrance. Our library overflows the space allotted to it. The first books return to the top of the pile.
I’m not excited to teach phonograms again, but joy is set before me.
The joy of hearing words leap off the page.
The joy of reading my little girl’s love notes.
The joy of seeing my child read the Word of God.
It is not hypocrisy to choose love no matter what feelings say. My emotions kick and prod, but they are not Lord.
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him…, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:1-2)
Photo credit: amulligan
Renae teaches her eleven-year-old son and two little girls at home. She has prepared lesson plans, enjoyed children’s literature, and delighted in discovery with her children for five years. By studying Principle Approach philosophy, she realized what she always suspected: the Bible lies at the heart of all subjects. Find her reflections at Life Nurturing Education.
I sure needed to hear that. Thanks for the reminder. It was a good one to read Monday morning before my emotions begin to get the better of me.
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Ahh- I’ve been there…that point in life when I’ve finally grown up and realized that the only “happy ever after” is in heaven. In this world I will have tribulation- He promised it. My emotions are real, but they can’t control my actions. I need to live according to truth- God’s truth. Thanks for the reminder!
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That is so true… and agree! *Ü*
I loved the scripture verse you used… thanks for sharing from your heart….
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Excellent post, Renae. This can be a difficult one, but it’s so important to understand that it’s all a matter of a choice. When we begin to follow our emotions, we’re on the path to trouble, confusion, and disappointment. Thanks for sharing.
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Jenn,
I’m so glad you were encouraged. It doesn’t take long to be confronted with emotions on Monday morning, or any morning for that matter.
Melinda,
It’s good to grow up, isn’t it? Truth has a way of putting things in perspective. Living according to that truth is the only way we will live in freedom.
Lisawa,
You are welcome. I’m glad you were blessed.
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Dianne,
Yes, making choices to do what is right is the only way to live with liberty of conscious. It isn’t always easy, but it is the best way. When we do that the rewards are amazing- peace, joy, and abundant life full of the things that matter most.
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Renae,
Thank you for the “real life” post. That is a wonderful truth to be reminded of.
Beth
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Thank you for reminding me not to be ruled by my emotions. xo
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Very true. And when our feelings don’t play along, I guess that is when character comes in? It is easy to do what we “feel” like, but it is much harder to master our feelings.
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Excellent!
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So truthful…we are so easily deceived by our emotions. Someone once told me that feelings were given to us by God, but that they must be used in order of God’s priority:
Fact – What are the facts. What is the foundational truth I need to believe.
Faith – Exercise it, based on the facts.
Feelings will follow
It’s helped me to put my feelings in check. But we should never “deny,” our feelings, because that wouldn’t be honest. But we need to come clean with God, admit our feelings…seek Him for the facts and then work on believing Him. If the feelings don’t follow, then we need to repeat steps one and two!
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Thanks Renae for this timely message! Uh, were you reading my mind? NO? Must be the Holy Spirit at work again.
Summer´s last blog ..Don’t Doubt In the Darkness
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