Spiritual guidance powered by AI and grounded in Scripture
Your Question:
Can I really trust my own instincts?
Answer:
As a pastor and a father, I've come to realize that trusting our instincts can be a double-edged sword. While it's natural to trust our initial reactions and feelings, it's equally important to subject them to scrutiny and biblical reflection. This is especially true in matters of faith, as Jesus Christ is the supreme authority on the human heart. We must ask ourselves if we're prepared to trust the penetration of His Word into our hearts, or if we'd rather rely on our own innocent ignorance. In my experience as a parent, I've learned that trusting our teenagers implicitly can be misguided. While we want to encourage their independence and self-reliance, we also need to recognize that they're still learning and growing. Trust is earned, not entitled, and it's essential to distinguish between trusting their character and hesitating to trust their judgment in certain situations. This approach allows us to work together with our children, guiding them while also respecting their autonomy. Ultimately, trusting our instincts requires a willingness to submit them to the truth of God's Word. When we do, we can learn to discern between our feelings and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This doesn't mean that our initial hunches or impressions are always accurate, but rather that we're willing to seek guidance and correction from a higher authority. By doing so, we can grow in our faith and develop a more discerning and trusting relationship with God.
Sources:
my utmost for his highest
oswald chambers
raising passionate jesus followers
phil diane comer
introduction biblical ethics
robertson mcquilkin
warranted christian belief
alvin plantinga
depression
edward welch
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