Role of Feelings or Instinct in Fulfilling God's Purposes

Problem with Relying on Feelings or Instincts in Fulfilling God's Purposes

• No matter how exceptional one's abilities to discern based on gut feelings, the results could fall short of what is best. Remember, you do not see the beginning from the end. God, through His Word, provides perspective. Feelings can be unreliable!
  

  As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isa. 55:9)

• No matter how right something might seem to you, following your feelings could lead to avoidable problems. Romans 12:3 warns us not to think too highly of ourselves. Remember, it is possible for you to make a mistake. You are finite. Feelings can be unreliable!
  

  There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. (Prov. 14:12)

• No matter how righteous one's instincts appear, the pursuit could be tainted with personal motives, ambitions, or biases. Remember, you are a sinful human being. Even as a believer, you still have that sinful human nature that can creep in if you are not walking in the Spirit (Rom. 7; Gal. 5:16-26). Feelings can be unreliable!
  

  As it is written: "There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one." (Rom. 3:10-12)

In addition to the content on this page, the Steering the Church Toward God's Purposes briefly responds to the assertion that the Holy Spirit will keep our feelings and instincts on track.

Also Read: Remembering We are Finite Helps Us Serve Better