In my seminary and university studies of theology, psychology, and education, I have learned that belief systems produce behavioral patterns, which generate good or bad feeling in people. Biblical belief system (or worldview) is in the realm of theology; behavioral pattern is in the realm of psychology; remedy for erratic feeling is in the realm of psychiatry.
A disconnect and discrepancy between a person’s moral beliefs and moral behaviors produces guilt and inner conflict when people violate their moral values and ignore their moral compass. Guilty people tend to become defensive of their immoral behavior, tend to become depressed after engaging in immoral behavior, and tend to silence their conscience to drown their guilty feeling. The more you silence your conscience, the less you hear it. Listen when God speaks to you through your conscience.
Personal faith in Christ (John 3:3-16) gives birth to Christian life and moral ethics, the basis of real joy and happiness, which many people today seek to find in the wrong places and in the wrong people. Apostle Paul said, “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character’ ” (1 Corinthians 15:33).
Christ’s global mandate or commission to preach the good news of His death and resurrection for our sins brings His “righteousness, peace, and joy” to believers’ hearts. Apostle Paul said, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.” “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 1:16; 14:17).
When Christ is the object of our religious belief and the motivation of our behavior, our peace of mind is not overwhelmed, whatever we go through in life. Believe, behave, and feel God’s unchanging love for you. Pray with the psalmist, “Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing and be glad all our days” (Psalm 90:14).
