1 Kings 18:21 Elijah went before the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.” But the people said nothing.
Repeated compromises and mistakes make our feelings numb and emotionless. This is a state when the heart is not sensitive to the conviction of the Holy Spirit. The voice of the Holy Spirit is quietened by habitual offensive behaviour. It is a state of delusion where the same mistakes are repeated expecting a different result. “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.” Overtime, repetition erodes the emotional sensitivity until our emotional wellbeing is ‘OUT OF ORDER’. Emotions that are ‘out of order’ are insensitive to the suffering or the pain of others. Emotional erosion makes a person indignant to correction and insensitive to transgressions. Emotions that are ‘out of order’ are controlled by fiendish fervor and egocentric behaviours.
Elijah addressed the stiff-necked Israelites who were stuck in sinful habits and a compromised lifestyle. Their emotions were ‘out of order’ which made them snobby, stiff-necked and selfish. Idolatry, revelry and adultery had crept into their lifestyle. They celebrated the feasts and offered sacrifices according to the Law of Moses but also had shrines for other pagan gods and burnt incense to the heathen idols. Their hearts were hardened and emotions were insensitive to the prophets who warned them about their wickedness and promiscuity. “You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit! (Acts 7:51). They resisted the truth and rejected the path of righteousness but gave themselves to the virulent passions of their heart.
Those who are insensitive, indifferent and unconcerned about the need, suffering or wellbeing of others but live to gratify their carnal cravings have their emotions out of order. It is important to do an emotional check-up every now and then. Three pain-points to check our emotional wellbeing are pride, apathy and selfishness. If we ignore the pain-points we will unconsciously become numb to sin and ignore the emotional erosion. Emotional wellbeing keeps us spiritually alert.
Out of Order Emotions:
1. Snobby: A snob thinks that they are better than others, but the truth is that their emotional sensitivity has broken down. Pride erodes empathy and makes a person apathetic and astringent. Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall (Proverbs 16:18).
2. Stiff-necked: The stiff-necked are insensitive to their own emotions. Ignoring the conviction of the Holy Spirit and repeated disobedience kills compassion. The Israelites were indifferent to the call of repentance from Elijah.
3. Selfish: Emotional breakdown makes a person selfish, self-absorbed and egoistic. They lack concern for others and are opportunists who use others to satisfy their ego.
If emotions are ‘out of order’ the actions and reactions would be erratic.
Ignoring the voice of the Holy Spirit and insensitivity and indifference to His warning will grieve Him.
Ephesians 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
Prayer: Dear Holy Spirit, I surrender all ungodly passions and desires and submit to your Lordship. Make me sharp, sensitive and swift to respond to you. Amen.
Leave a Reply