The Strength of My Heart
By My Purpose Now on February 20, 2012
By Peggy Still –
Going with your first instinct strengthens your religious beliefs, according to a recently released report by Harvard University researchers. When psychologists asked individuals to solve three problems, they found that those who trusted their first instincts were twice as likely to believe in God as those who took the time to mull over the questions searching for an answer. The faith of the intuitive thinkers grew stronger over time.
The reason: the believer’s feelings tend to reinforce already-accepted principles of faith, while reflection makes us more likely to search for new answers.
However, another recent poll found that Americans are more interested in spirituality rather than a true faith in God. Today’s culture encourages the development of a uniquely personal brand of faith. With a personally created faith you can keep the parts you like, forgiveness and heaven, and skip over the parts you don’t like, such as hell, judgment and walking in righteousness. There are no absolutes, no right or wrong, and no accountability. Everything is ok if it’s the right thing for you.
With no moral compass to guide us life becomes chaotic. There is no joy or peace in the Christian life until we accept His absolute authority and begin walking in righteousness. What we really need is a worldview that is anchored in the truth found in Scripture. To think and live biblically to avoid the chaos. We have been given a clear mandate: to fall under the authority of Christ given to Him by the Father to judge and manage our lives.
We don’t have to figure out our problems on our own. Christ has promised to guide our thinking and give us His perspective on life’s problems. “God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psalm 73:26) Who has authority over your life? Are you trying to manage on your own? Christ must be the Lord over all of our life or He is not Lord at all.
Peggy Still: Peggy currently serves as the Director of Administrative and Client Services for The Fuller Foundation in Pasadena, California. Peggy is a featured speaker in a variety of areas for women including finance, social issues and leadership. She also serves as a consultant to churches and other non-profit organizations in the areas of administration and fund-raising. Married to Mark for 33 years they have one daughter and raised two foster children. Peggy and Mark make their home in southern California.
Originally posted on My Purpose Now.
