“Everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness…But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”—Hebrews 5:13-14
There is a reason that the gut is often referred to as the “second brain.”
Sometimes you walk into a situation or environment and feel the peace of God all over it. Other times, you sense something is not right, even though you might not know what it is. It is important to pay attention to these gut reactions.
Here’s why.
One difference between an immature and a mature Christian is the ability to discern between good and evil. So many things appear good to our reasoning minds. But mature Christians can detect subtleties by using their “senses.” They don’t just stay in their heads.
When we grow in our knowledge of God’s Word, we become more skilled “in the Word of righteousness.” But unless we combine head knowledge with our hearts, which can spiritually “hear, see, touch, taste,” we remain vulnerable to the enemy’s lies.
It starts with simply noticing sensations that are typically felt in the gut. Your spirit manifests to your gut —the “second brain”—whether something is right.
Jesus said that for those who believe in Him, living water would flow out of their “belly” —their gut. Some versions translate it “heart.” He didn’t say it would flow out of their minds.
The next step is to ask the Lord about it: “What do these gut feelings mean?”
Then listen to Him speak. He may be saying, “Be on your guard. Watch out.” He might expose a demonic influence. Or the Spirit may bring a scripture to mind that reveals the situation more clearly. He also might be telling you, “this is something good I’ve prepared for you.”
Growing as a Christian involves paying attention to your heart, your gut. When we combine our hearts—our spiritual senses—with our mind’s knowledge, we begin to mature.
This doesn’t mean we go just by our own feelings. We need to pray and read daily to become aligned with God’s Word. We learn a new level of walking with God, a new level of freedom, eyes wide open with discernment and wisdom.
Do a gut check today. It’s a very powerful and dynamic way to love and worship the Lord.
