We live in a culture driven by feelings.  Our emotions often have more weight than the truth.  We are even taught to “follow our heart,” which is to say, “Do what you feel is best.”  Feelings are wonderful.  What a gift to be able to feel something in our hearts.   But, feelings are also fickle, subjective and not at all trustworthy.  This is why, if we are to make progress as a disciple, we must educate our feelings.  The truth is, the way we feel about something may not be right, wise or even moral.  As you know, I often feel like driving faster than the speed limit.  This is generally frowned upon by the men who police our highways.  How I feel about my speed is always secondary to the law, that’s reality.  The policeman doesn’t actually take my feelings into account if I was driving 20 mph over the stated speed limit.  I’ve never had a policeman say, “Just follow your heart.”  They always say, “Slow down and honor the posted speed limits.”  In other words, “Educate your feelings.”  While this is hard, this re-education of our feelings is part of maturing as a saint.  We have to tell ourselves, based on the truth, how to feel about something.  How should I feel about not getting my way?  How should I feel about the grief I have caused another person?  How should I feel about the salvation of a sinner?  Educating our feelings means we pause to think about the feeling, why we feel that way and whether or not it is true to His ways.  It’s true, we feel what we feel.  We can’t tell someone else how they should feel.  But, we can examine our own feelings in light of what and Who we know and lead our heart in a new direction.  More about this on Sunday .