Daily in Christ 4/11
April 11
BEHAVING YOUR WAY INTO GOOD FEELINGS
If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them
What happened to mankind emotionally as a result of the Fall? For one thing, we became fearful and anxious. One of the first emotions expressed by fallen humanity was fear (Genesis 3:10). Today fear is crippling our relationships and activities. Fear is a result of the Fall. If fear is controlling your life, then faith is not.
Another emotional by-product of sin is shame and guilt. Before Adam and Eve disobeyed God, they were naked and unashamed (Genesis 2:25). God created them as sexual beings. Their sex organs and sexual activity were holy. But when they sinned, they were ashamed to be naked and they had to cover up (Genesis 3:7). Many people mask their inner self in fear that others may see them for who they really are.
Mankind also became depressed and angry after the Fall. Cain brought his offering to God and, for some reason, God was displeased with it. As a result, "Cain became very angry and his countenance fell. Then the LORD said to Cain, 'Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up?'" (Genesis 4:5-7).
I believe God established a principle here which echoes all through the Bible: You don't feel your way into good behavior; you behave your way into good feelings. There are tons of things you don't feel like doing, but you do them. I never feel like going to the convalescent hospital to minister. And the moment I step in the door, the smell alone does away with any positive feelings of wanting to continue on. But I always leave feeling great; I'm glad I went. Good feelings follow right behavior. Jesus said, "If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them" (John 13:17).
Prayer: Lord, help me do what You want me to do even when it seems unpleasant. I seek Your blessing for obedience.
Thank you for using the Daily in Christ devotionals brought to you through Crosswalk by Freedom in Christ Ministries (FICM). We are a faith-based, donor-supported ministry. If you have been touched by these devotionals, and would like to make a monthly pledge or a special gift of any amount, please use the link below to give as the Lord leads. Thank you so much!
Click here to be directed to our secure donation page at Freedom in Christ
Click here to purchase your own copy of this devotional!
