Philippians 3:17-19
Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. 18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.
Feelings are powerful apologists.
Bellies belie reality. They provide truth claims about the world around them by looking to the feelings welled up within them. They look in in order to look out. Ultimate reality is inside and to be imposed upon the world.
The Christian looks up to God as the Ultimate reality. From Him comes wisdom to be imposed down to my innermost feelings. My feelings are called then to submit to His imposition. Ultimate reality is outside and to be imposed upon my inner man.
Enemies of the cross begin with their feelings, celebrate their shame, set their minds on the world and end in destruction.
Christians have feelings because Christians are people. Everyone has feelings. But Christians must not put their feelings first. Christians, before they are anything else, are those who put Christ first. Feelings then are to be in submission to Christ. Inordinate affections are to be placed into proper order, not celebrated in whatever disorder we find them. Having them doesn't excuse them being wherever they are found.
Feelings are false prophets.
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