This blog post discusses the significance of discipline over feelings in the Christian faith, emphasizing that true spiritual growth requires commitment and effort rather than relying on emotional experiences. It draws on biblical references to illustrate how discipline is essential for a fulfilling spiritual life.
In a recent conversation, a young man named Boomer reached out to Sam Shamoun, seeking guidance on a pressing spiritual concern. Boomer, who grew up in a Southern Baptist environment and is now exploring the Orthodox Church, expressed his struggle with feeling disconnected from the Holy Spirit. This dialogue highlights a common issue many face in their spiritual journeys: the reliance on feelings rather than discipline.
Boomer articulated a simple yet profound question: Why does he feel nothing in his spiritual life? This sentiment resonates with many believers who often equate their emotional experiences with their faith. Sam responded by emphasizing that basing one's spiritual life on feelings can lead to failure in various aspects of life, including relationships and personal endeavors.
Sam pointed out that if one relies solely on feelings, they risk failing in their marriage, friendships, and spiritual commitments. He argued that the Christian life is fundamentally about discipline. He referenced 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, which describes the Christian life as a race requiring self-control and perseverance. This analogy illustrates that just as athletes train rigorously for competition, Christians must also engage in spiritual training.
Sam stressed that discipline is crucial for spiritual growth. He explained that feelings can be deceptive and that trusting in one's emotions can lead to spiritual apathy. Instead, he encouraged Boomer to focus on God's promises and to engage in spiritual practices, even when he does not feel like it.
Using the analogy of physical fitness, Sam compared spiritual discipline to going to the gym. Just as neglecting physical exercise leads to lethargy and weakness, neglecting spiritual practices can result in a weakened faith. He encouraged Boomer to push through the initial resistance to prayer, Bible reading, and church attendance, as these practices would eventually become second nature.
To further illustrate his point, Sam referenced Hebrews 12:1-2, which speaks of a great cloud of witnesses who endured hardships for their faith. He highlighted that many biblical figures faced severe trials and tribulations, yet they persevered despite their feelings. This endurance is a testament to the strength found in discipline rather than emotional satisfaction.
Sam pointed to Jesus as the supreme example of enduring hardship for a greater purpose. In Matthew 16:24-27, Jesus speaks of taking up one's cross, which signifies the pain and sacrifice involved in following Him. Sam emphasized that Jesus did not focus on His immediate suffering but rather on the joy set before Him—the salvation of humanity.
In conclusion, Sam's advice to Boomer—and to all believers—is clear: stop relying on feelings and start cultivating discipline in your spiritual life. The heart can be deceitful, as noted in Jeremiah 17:9, and trusting in emotions can lead to regret and spiritual stagnation. Instead, by committing to spiritual practices and trusting in God's promises, believers can experience a deeper and more fulfilling relationship with Him.
Ultimately, the journey of faith is not about how one feels but about the commitment to live according to God's word and to engage in the discipline required to grow spiritually. As Boomer reflected on this conversation, he recognized the need to awaken his spiritual life and embrace the discipline that leads to true fulfillment in faith.
