Why Feelings Often Override Faith: The Christian Warfare

Feelings often seem more powerful than faith primarily because of the inherent downward tendencies of our fallen nature, which makes rising in spiritual being difficult, and because Satan actively seeks to substitute genuine faith and adherence to truth with reliance on shifting emotional impressionsBDOC 48.11+1. Our only safety lies in yielding ourselves fully to God and diligently engaging in the spiritual warfare required to sustain a life of faithPC 141.6+1.

The Danger of Relying on Spiritual Impressions and Emotions

Satan works diligently to distract believers from the reliable path of divine guidance, making feelings appear paramount.

• Satan fears the effect of earnest Bible study and is gratified when he can lead people to seek for mere impressions or spiritual feelings, confounding these transient emotions for the true guidance of the Holy SpiritBDOC 48.11.

• The only sign that should be manifest is the working of the Holy Spirit upon the mind of the teacher, making the written Word as impressive as possible, because the Word of God is spirit and lifeBDOC 48.11.

• High religious emotions themselves do not prove the genuineness of piety, as they are merely natural effects of high mental excitement, regardless of whether the excitement is produced by the Holy Spirit or is a fire of our own kindlingARSH September 2, 1858, page 122.2.

• If we were to pursue spiritual growth by drawing water from a cistern that has none in it, or by waiting for a feeling to kindle at our bidding, we would mistake the true source of our strengthARSH February 7, 1856, page 151.18.

The Role of Self-Deception and Instability

The human condition predisposes us toward feelings because self-deception can easily mistake human sentiment for genuine spiritual experience.

• It is difficult for us to understand ourselves, and there is a constant liability to self-deception, often causing us to think that warnings and reproofs are meant for others, not ourselves5T 332.1+1.

• Self-flattery, self-love, and confidence can readily be construed into Christian emotion and zeal, leading to assurance that one is right when they are far from meeting the requirements of God’s word5T 332.1+1.

• Feelings are changeable and are not subject to our control, yet many are prone to make religious enjoyment the test of their discipleshipARSH February 5, 1861, page 93.11. When trials come, those relying on feelings become discouraged and lose confidenceARSH February 5, 1861, page 93.11.

• In contrast, faith, or confidence in God and His word, must become the continual habit of the mind in all conditions and circumstances of life—in afflictions, trials, temptations, and conflicts, whether facing life or deathARSH February 5, 1861, page 93.11.

Maintaining Faith in the Christian Warfare

The Christian life requires a proactive and continuous engagement in the fight of faith, where discipline and adherence to truth overcome impulsive emotions.

• We are engaged in a spiritual warfare against invisible foes, where we must put on the whole armor of God, striving lawfully for masteryBEcho January 1, 1893, par. 7+2.

• To fight the good fight of faith, we must continually maintain the victory over self and live a life of prayer and belief that God blesses us todayST October 20, 1887, par. 2.

• True Christian affections influence the believer to seek God and His glory, not self or personal convenience, and they are always connected with humility, instantly becoming carnal when the mind is elatedARSH May 2, 1865, page 170.9.

• Genuine holy affections flow from a broken heart, remaining humble even when joy is unspeakable and full of gloryARSH January 6, 1859, page 51.25.

• By focusing our minds upon our condition, reflecting on God’s character and His law, and confessing transgressions, we follow the course suited to affect the heart, allowing God to work repentance in usARSH February 7, 1856, page 151.18.

• To cultivate pure, strong, and elevating spiritual feelings legitimately, we must become more familiar with the facts and promises of the Gospel, allowing the Word of God to dwell richly in usARSH December 15, 1859, page 27.12.

We must follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and meekness, and fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life 1 Timothy 6:11-1210LtMs, Lt 53, 1895, par. 4.