Cotton Candy

"Feel-good feelings are like cotton candy"

HUH??!

I guess the above looks like a very random metaphor. Before you start thinking that I've totally fallen off the deep end, let me explain.

Today's society places a lot of emphasis on how we feel - in schools, relationships, and sometimes even in church. If it feels good, do it! This has become the motto.

Kids are taught in some school to have good self-esteem. While I don't think this is an entirely wrong concept, there is way too much emphasis placed on the "self" part of that phrase. They say that kids aren't supposed to fail or lose. (But isn't that what makes successes so sweet? Look at Edison and the light bulb.) Teachers aren't even supposed to use red ink - lest it damage self-esteem. I could go on, but that is another soapbox for another place and time.

If it feels good, do it! This is often applied to relationships as well - friendships as well as romantic relationships. Often the focus of relationships has been self - does this person meet MY needs? If the answer is no, than it has become time to move on because "it's all about me" right? Um, whatever happened to caring for others? To putting the needs of others above your own? Jesus, Others, You spells JOY. Lack of commitment has become an epidemic and much of it is based on the perception that "he (or she) isn't meeting MY needs."

Some churches have even fallen into the trap of feel-good feelings. They say (or convey the idea) that as long as you are on an emotional "high," than all must be well between you and God. While it isn't wrong to feel these emotions - they don't last and should not be what we constantly seek in our walk with God.

Which brings me back to cotton candy. (You were waiting for this, right? Probably the only reason you've read this far!) First, let me say that I like cotton candy. It is something I enjoy on occasion. I also enjoy good feelings, they in and of themselves, aren't wrong. But...

Cotton candy is a bunch of fluff - you put it into your mouth and POUF! it's gone. Feelings are the same way. As soon as you grab ahold of them, they disappear - they don't last. Cotton candy also isn't very substantial. You can't live on the stuff. It's about 90% air, 8% sugar and 2% dye. (Before you run to the kitchen, this isn't a recipe - merely my assessment.) You can't live off feelings either - you won't survive emotionally or spiritually. Just as your body needs nutrients like protein, calcium, and vitamins, just to name a few, your spirit and soul need things like perseverence, commitment and faith.

Instead of self-esteem, we should seek self-improvement through study and hard work. Instead of trying to get what we can out of a relationship, we should seek for what we can bring to it, and not trash it when the going gets tough. Instead of seeking a spiritual experience, we should live by faith in God and His Word.

And that is better than cotton candy.

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