The Feel Good Theme
By Doug Long
I have had the opportunity to speak with people attending a variety of churches,
and I have noticed that many of them have a common theme. I call this theme the
“feel good theme”. I really don’t have any problem with people feeling good,
but I think that it is important that people feel good for the right reasons.
There are a lot of drugs to make people feel good such as alcohol, cocaine
and marijuana, and I could take these if I really wanted to, but in the end
there would be a terrible price to pay. What I find going on in these churches
is an effect similar to what happens by taking drugs.
Many of these churches tell folks that what ever they believe is OK. Some say
that all you have to do is repeat a “sinners prayer” and you will be saved.
There is a lot of music and flash. The only problem is that the Bible is being
ignored. Sure they speak of the love of God, but that is usually all they speak
of. It is true that God loves us, and was willing to die for us, but if we don’t
do what God tells us to do to be saved, His love for us will not help us. We could
feel good and pay a terrible price later. Matthew 7:13-14 tells us that the way to
heaven will is not easy.
Matthew 7:13-14
13 "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that
leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14Because narrow is
the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
Galatians 1:8
tells us that those who preach that the way to heaven is easy
will be in trouble too:
Galatians 1:8
8But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than
what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.
Revelation 2:10
tells us that if we are faithful until death we will receive
the crown of life, But we need to be faithful in the way God wants not the way we want.
I think it is wonderful when people feeling good, but they need to feel good in the
right way. Have you ever felt really good after a workout? Or after you have helped
someone? These are healthy ways to feel good. Taking drugs would make you feel good
too, but there would be a price at the other end. It is no different with our relationship
with God. If we are doing His will and feel good as a result then that is wonderful.
If you are going to Church for the entertainment value to feel good, but are not doing
God’s will then there will be a terrible price to pay in the end.
