Want a spiritual growth spurt? Then let this sink in: emotions are overrated. Now, before you turn me off saying, "she's cold and insensitive", keep reading.
Ever found yourself thinking, "I really don't feel like doing that" or "I'm in the mood for _____"? We have good moods, bad moods, thoughtful moods, irritable moods, playful moods, and can't-make-up-my-mind moods. We have a tendency to live according to our feelings, to make decisions based upon our emotions, and feelings can change from moment to moment. We're often told, "If it feels right, do it". But feelings can lie.
I have learned from my Sunday School teacher that many things we think rely on feelings actually don't. You may say to yourself, "I just can't forgive that person". You're right - without God, you can't. Or how about "love your enemies"? If you're waiting for the "feeling", chances are you won't find it. You may have a really good day and feel somewhat civil towards that person who gives you problems, but is that true love? Contrary to what the world tries to tell us, forgiveness and love are NOT feelings. They are an act of your will - a DECISION you make. You must choose to obey the One who commanded you to love or forgive, and resist the Devil when he tries to interfer. If you make your will, or decision, the "engine" of the train, your emotions, or "caboose", will eventually catch up.
The same thing applies in other situations. Mark 16:15 says, "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature - as soon as you get a strong burden for them that overcomes your fear of what others will say." Oh, wait - I don't think you'll find that last part in the Bible. God didn't say, "Wait til you feel like witnessing, then go hand someone a tract at the store checkout counter". He simply said, "Go". He didn't tell us to "Study to shew yourself approved unto God - if it sounds interesting, or if you don't have anything else to do". He just said do it. If you will start obeying - one day at a time, one action at a time - whether you "feel like it" or not, you may start looking around to see who added "Miracle - grow" to your spiritual life. When you start obeying, over time, your feelings will catch up.
