The Proper Role of Emotion   

Mike Pittman, January 15, 2012

Hebrews 11:7 demonstrates for us the role that emotion should play in religion. “By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household…” This says that Noah received a divine warning (revelation) – which produced fear (emotion) – which produced obedience. The lesson: the proper reaction to divine revelation is to be an emotion which MOVES us to obedience.

Please note the role of emotion. First, it is a reaction to what God has revealed in His Word, the Bible. Then, it produces in our lives obedience to the revealed Word.

All too often, however, emotions do not produce obedience but actually deter it. This is seen in the person who says, “I wouldn’t trade this feeling (emotion) I have in my heart for a whole stack of Bibles.” In such a case, emotion is not based upon the revelation of God. This is also seen in the person who says, “I don’t care what the Bible says about baptism, I know what I feel in my heart.”

Love, gratitude, and yes, fear (awe) should lead a person to obedience (see Romans 2:4). Is emotion having its proper place in your life?
 

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