WISDOM FOR EMOTIONAL SOUNDNESS

“Let this MIND be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” – Philippians 2:5

Believers in Christ must be established in WISDOM for EMOTIONAL SOUNDNESS: “Let this MIND be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” (Phi.2:5). Man is not only a spirit, but a living soul, with three key faculties – the Mind, Will, and Emotions. In particular, how we handle our emotions can make the difference in the fulfilment of destiny. Although emotions are God-given, due to Man’s Fall, virtually every positive emotion has a contrasting negative manifestation. Jesus – God in flesh – displayed varied emotions in his Earth-Walk. He grieved and groaned at Lazarus’ tomb (Jh.11:33,38). He was angry against unbelief and spiritual merchandising (Mk.3:5; Jh.2:13-17). Yet, He never slid into sinful emotions (1Jh.3:5). Scriptures portray Jesus as the Epitome of Emotional Soundness (v.5).

While by the reality of redemption, every Believer potentially has the Mind of Christ, we have the responsibility to “work out” our own salvation (v.12). The key is for us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds as we meditate in the Word of God: “And do not be conformed to this world, but be TRANSFORMED by the RENEWING of your MIND, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Rom.12:2). This renewing of the Mind affects our Intellect, Emotions, and Volition (Will), enabling us to know and do God’s Will.

Paul wrote most assuredly: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a SOUND MIND” (2Tim.1:7). Fear is chief among negative emotions. It manifested first in Adam, at the fall, as he told the Lord: “I heard Your voice in the garden, and I WAS AFRAID because I was naked; and I hid myself’ (Gen.3:10). Any claim to Christianity which leaves the emotions and conduct untouched is at best immature, or at worst a counterfeit of the real thing. God designed our emotions to serve, not enslave us. Emotional infants claim to have been saved, but still do not look like Jesus. They’re deficient in managing their feelings and are enslaved by their emotions. It’s sad to see manipulative ministers; angry, gossiping, and ranting elders; and anxious, fretful, fearful believers.

Although there is a valid place for emotions, God never meant for us to be guided by fading feelings. We must learn not to confuse soulish feelings with the Spirit’s leading. We are to be guided by God’s Word and be led by His Spirit. Our emotions are to serve as a gauge, not a guide. 1 Peter 1:13 instructs: “Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Through the renewing of the mind, we can grow to actively overcome anger, bitterness, depression, fear, hatred, regret, and negativity, and consciously cultivate love, hope, joy, gratitude, humility, peace, and passion, exemplifying Christlikeness.