A Dangerous Trap

These people are the ones who are creating divisions among you. They follow their natural instincts because they do not have God’s Spirit in them. [Jude 19]

It should make sense that "natural instincts" would be a good thing. But let's explore that idea for just a moment.

Animals follow natural instinct. Their natural instinct quite literally keeps them alive. However it works, whatever "knowledge" animals have, they utilize to carry on with their survival. It is this natural knowledge that humans typically find amazing as birds and fish migrate or build nests at precisely the right time, bears and other animals hibernate, and other animals store food while it is in season.

Following natural instincts is great for animals, but can be a dangerous trap to humans. For all the amassed natural instincts of humanity in knowing how to survive, humans are called to a higher calling to submit to God. Faith is what separates humans from animals as faith is presented to humanity as the means to transcend and operate at a level above human knowledge.

It is the Spirit of God in man that enables him to live transcendent to knowledge in faith. This is precisely what the Apostle Paul prayed over the church at Thessalonica:

So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do. Then the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored because of the way you live, and you will be honored along with him. This is all made possible because of the grace of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ. [2 Thessalonians 1.11-12]

Jesus is not honored and God is not pleased unless we live above our natural instincts in the realm of faith.

And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. [Hebrews 11.6]

How often are Christians divided over the matter of faith versus human instincts (knowledge, reasoning...)? I am afraid all too often!

Father, help us to strive to operate and live by Your Holy Spirit above mere natural instinct and knowledge. So be it!