Articles
Deceptive Instincts
Scripture: Jeremiah 14-17
The heart is deceitful above all things… Jeremiah 17:9
As a culture, we make decisions based more on how we feel about something. Advertisers understand this. They know that we make decisions based on emotion rather than logic. If we feel good about a product, we’re more likely to buy it. So the goal of the advertiser is to sell the consumer on an emotional level, not just impart information about the product.
This is true in spiritual things as well. Many make decisions about right and wrong based on feelings. If it feels right it must be right.
The Bible gives many warnings about trusting our instincts. It tells us that “the way o man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps.” (Jeremiah 10:23) “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5) “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” (Proverbs 14:12)
Sin is deceptive (Romans 7:11) and our desires are deceitful (Ephesians 4:22; Hebrews 3:13). Often what feels right is dead wrong. We must be wary of our emotions and distrust the ability of our instincts to discern right and wrong.
The only truly reliable source we can turn to is God’s Word. “Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens.” (Psalm 119:89)
God, thank you for your Word that provides light to guide our steps.
