Sometimes the hardest thing to do is to obey God's word. We try to find all kinds of nifty ways to get around it. We may sometimes even look for loop-holes subconsciously. Usually what leads us to try to circumvent God's word is our feelings.
If we feel a certain way about certain things we will sometimes allow feelings to dictate how we govern ourselves. Just think for a moment God never told us to feel, he told us to obey. Furthermore, when he gives us commands he probably doesn't take our feelings into account.
My challenge is to check my feelings. Feelings will sometimes govern how or if I do a certain thing. If I "feel" good about something I will do it diligently and with my whole heart. However if I am not "feeling" too good about then I do it half hearted or maybe even not at all.
Check your feelings. They are an easy open door for Satan to come in and tempt us. Yes, if the ol' sneaky sly serpent can get us to "feel" uh let's say negatively about something, then it's high probability he can tempt us into NOT doing it.
Obedience often times IS sacrifice. Obedience requires selflessness. ( a trait I have yet to master, but I will go to my grave trying).
When Jesus looked into that cup I am quite sure whatever he saw did not make him feel too good. But thank God for obedience of His Son.
Whatever is in my cup is not nearly as bad as going to the cross. So what's in your cup. I challenge you to put self on the back burner and OBEY! In spite of 'feelings'...OBEY!
Key words: obedience, sacrifice, emotions, defraud
Scripture ref: Romans 6:16, 2Cor. 10:5, Hebrews 5:8
Application: 1Cor. 7:3-5 :)
