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But God said...
By Aaron
Day My favorite excuse is "God told me to do
it." This is not
one I use, but rather one that I've had the fortune of hearing other people use.
Unfortunately, the God of those who use that excuse generally changes His
mind more than a toddler's diaper. I'm
not sure I know that God, nor do I really want to, even though these people
claim we're serving the same God. Lord,
please help us. Please. I had a friend who was dating a nice, attractive girl. I was happy for him. Then one day, another girl came along, who admittedly wasn't nearly as nice or attractive, but because she was new, became a hot commodity. Soon after she arrived, "God" got to talking to my friend and told him to break up with his current girlfriend and go out with this new girl. Not being one to go against God's will, he did. The new girl got to know him and broke up with him soon thereafter. What was "God" thinking? A nice derivation of that excuse is "I think God
would want this." Yes, it’s
somewhat presumptuous, but what could be better than sugarcoating a bad decision
with such a nice statement? How can
you possibly argue with what God might want?
Just think¾let's
say I want to attend a different church because there's a pretty girl there who
might like me. I think God would
want this. Or maybe I'll learn to
play the piano especially well so everyone can dote on me.
I think God would want this too! And
let's not forget that fabulous, velvet Armani suit.
I'll buy that so I can be noticed at conference.
God would definitely want that. I'm
glad I'm in touch with His mind and will. Or maybe not. I can just imagine God up in heaven on his throne with the biggest grin on his face, thinking "What a treat we have for you today¾a fiery trial in a desolate wilderness." One truth I am learning is that if you fight the will of God, you will get placed into a wilderness and your mettle will be tested. So why fight against His will? It’s easy enough to ask that question, but unfortunately the above examples aren't necessarily far from our realities. My prideful thoughts, or dreams of my future, have often blinded me to the will of God. What a painful time it has been (and will continue to be) when God has had to break those things in me, and I have to offer them on His altar without any assurance of the future. Argh!!! Why me? Why anyone? Scripture states, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
(Psalms 139:23, 24) What a tough prayer. Pray
it and you will be broken. But
broken is where you want to be. Paul sums up why:
“And not only so, but we glory in
tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience,
experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love
of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”
(Romans 5:3-5) My thesis is thus:
Let God create you in the fashion He desires. Let Him build your character.
Don't ever presume to know exactly what he wants, or presume to do what
you think He wants. Your character,
the depth of your soul, and devotion are precious to God. Because He values these things, He died for us.
So the next time you hear someone say, "God told
me to do it", question his or her motives. If they're right, then God bless them. If not, buy them a box of Kleenexâ. ninetyandnine.com
ã
2000, Aaron Day --------- Having apparently bettered himself by graduating from
Washington University in St Louis with degrees in finance, marketing and music, Aaron
Michael Day decided to embark on a professional journey as an equity sales
trader at an investment bank in Denver. He hopes someday to retire with lots of
time, dough, and a beautiful family, while still staying height-weight
proportionate.
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