God Told Me To Do It

Sometimes I wonder how much of what we do is actually inspired by God or just because it is what we want to do, but it sounds so much better to say God told us to do it? There has been a few times in the last six months or so that someone has told me that they did something because it is what God told them to do. Then I find out that what they did, that God told them to do, adversely affected other people and interfered in what they felt God was telling them to do. Or as a result, others decided to do something and say it was because God told them to do it.

Well, we know God is not going to tell you to do something that totally conflicts with His Word. We know God is not going to tell you to do something that is going to go against what He told someone else. If what He told you to do is hurting other people unnecessarily ... can it really be from God?

I am not saying that God cannot lead you to do something that will hurt someone else. That can happen. The other person's pride might get in the way or they might feel slighted by your actions. But if you believe God is leading you to do something and everyone is responding negatively to it, I think you need to rethink your position. You can't just grab whatever scripture suits your purpose and go with it. You really need to evaluate whether what you are doing is a "God" thing or a "You" thing.

Honestly, I think a lot of us do what we want to do, for whatever reason, and instead of saying that ... we say, "Well, God told me to do this. It's a "God" thing." I believe I have been guilty of this as well. I have done a few things that didn't turn out too well and totally felt God was telling me to do them. But, in retrospect, I can see it really wasn't a "God" thing. It was totally a "Me" thing. Though, you can do a "God" thing and it not turn out too well ... at least for a bit. The enemy can step in and use the people around you to interfere with God has going on with you. He can only interfere for so long though.

Sounds confusing, doesn't it? It can be. I think the main thing should be that whenever we feel God is wanting us to do something, that we stay in prayer, not do anything rash, and evaluate how much of what we want to do is because we just want to do it. And, then be honest about it. If it is a "Me" thing, say so. Say, "I want to do this." Don't blame God for it. Don't use Him as an excuse to not listen to the advice of others or so you won't have to consider anyone's feelings but your own.

Let's make sure God remains our Lord and not our scapegoat.