The Christian faith is not built upon feelings but upon the truth of God as revealed in the Bible. The Bible is our primary and ultimate source of authority, not our feelings. What we feel is not to be the determinative factor in forming our decisions.
Recently President Obama spoke out in favor of redefining marriage to include homosexual partners based upon what he feels to be the right thing. He offered poor scriptural reference by mentioning the golden rule (which I will not address here), while completely ignoring the whole of biblical revelation. See also my "Open Letter To My Gay Friends" (on this blog) for other appropriate scriptural references on this issue. There is a deeper issue that needs to be dealt with in this discussion. It is the issue of authority.
In an article by USA Today, Bishop Timothy J. Clark of the First Church of God in Columbus, Ohio responded to Obama's declaration with these words, "I believe the statement the president made and his decision was made in good faith. I am sure because the president is a good man. I know his decision was made after much thought and consideration and, I'm sure, even prayer." There are two inherent problems with this statement. One, that the decision is guided by "thought, consideration, and prayer" rather than the Bible. Two, that this feeling-based faith is considered "good faith". It leaves the impression that as long as one is sincere in one's thoughts/feelings and mixes in some prayer then all is well. This is not a good faith. The Bible records other such times in history when "each man did what was right in his own eyes." It did not go so well.
God's leading in the lives of His people never contradicts what He has said in His word. The Bible is clear regarding the definition of marriage as a covenant between a man and a woman. Genesis 2 and 3 provide the foundational definition of what marriage is, a relationship ordained by God. As God is the Creator of marriage, He rightly reserves the authority to provide definition to the relationship. Others may attempt to redefine marriage, but they are only attempts of vanity, for the definition is forever settled. Ephesians 5 lucidly describes the marital relationship between a man and his wife. The Bible is filled with examples of the definition of marriage. If someone believes that they have the right to attempt to redefine marriage based upon their "thoughts, consideration, and prayer" then they certainly have every right to their opinion. But be honest, that is not a Christian decision.
Other professors of the Christian faith repeat this same error. Many who should know better make important decisions based upon their feelings. The endless quests of "finding God's will for my life" lead to decisions determined by feelings rather than biblical truth. Where God has spoken in His word, listen and obey. Remember that only the one who "hears" the word and "does" it is likened to a wise man building upon the rock. God wants His people to marry believers, be a part of a church that seeks obedience to His word in all things, abhor that which is evil, teach sound doctrine, share the gospel, honor Him with their profession, teach their children the Scriptures, pray as a family, etc. We don't have to pray about whether or not it is God's will to do these things although we should be praying for the strength and wisdom to do them.
I'm all for knowing and doing God's will. I just wish we would all realize that His will is found in His word, not our emotions. This will produce a good faith.
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