There’s something about the word instinct that has never sat well with me. Instinct sounds wild, primal, and untamed — useful for wolves, lions, and survival-driven creatures, but not necessarily for someone trying to live with purpose, responsibility, and faith.
If humanity’s highest calling were simply to follow instinct, we wouldn’t be much different from everything else that walks, crawls, or flies. Our instincts can make us want to lash out when we’re hurt, grab what benefits us, or retreat from anything uncomfortable. Those reactions may protect animals, but they can destroy people.
So no — I don’t automatically trust my instincts. In fact, I tend to question them first.
For me, instinct is that immediate spark that fires before thought, prayer, or reflection has time to step in:
- The sharp response on the tip of my tongue
- The urge to protect my pride
- The impulse to withdraw or avoid
- The pull toward the easiest path rather than the best one
Instinct can feel right because it feels immediate and emotional — but urgency and truth aren’t the same thing.
That’s why instincts, for me, aren’t commands. They’re merely alerts. They need to be filtered, tested, and examined through a higher standard than whatever emotion is winning in the moment.
So what do I trust?
Not instinct — discernment.
And discernment, as I understand it, is not instinct with better vocabulary. It’s not just wisdom from life experience, and it’s not simply a gut feeling that happens to be right.
Discernment is spiritual.
Discernment is shaped.
Discernment is sourced outside of my impulses.
According to Scripture, discernment originates with the Holy Spirit — not with adrenaline, fear, or emotion:
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit… will teach you all things.” — John 14:26
“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth.” — John 16:13
“Test everything; hold fast to what is good.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:21
So when an instinct rises up, the question isn’t Do I trust this feeling?
The better question is: Is this the Spirit, or is this just me?
For me, that means asking:
- Does this align with Scripture, or just with emotion?
- Is this motivated by love or by self-preservation?
- Does it lead toward peace or toward chaos?
- Does this honor Christ or merely satisfy ego?
- Would I still believe this decision is right after prayer and time?
If an instinct cannot survive those questions, it’s not discernment — it’s impulse.
And I have followed impulse enough times in my life to recognize that it rarely leads to grace, growth, or godliness.
My conclusion
I do not trust my instincts on their own. I acknowledge them, but I don’t hand them the steering wheel.
Instinct is allowed to speak, but not allowed to rule.
Discernment — the kind formed by Scripture, refined by experience, confirmed through prayer, and guided by the Holy Spirit — is what I want shaping my decisions, my reactions, my relationships, and my character.
Instinct reacts.
The Spirit directs.
I’d rather be led than driven.
Copyright © 2025 Doug DeBolt.
