Dear Leslie…
Dear Leslie,
I know you asked this question on your blog, but instead of leaving a long comment I thought I’d just write a response here. (I’m not sure that you read this…so if you’re Leslie’s friend point here this way!)
If I understood you correctly, your second question had to do with discerning the will of God. As I frequently, in my line of work, facing big life decisions, this comes up all the time! I was driving home from a meeting late last night and for some reason your post came to mind and I was thinking about how I’d answer…
So, want them or not, here are some of my thoughts:
- I think when we reduce God’s will to a specific action, we misunderstand what it is God wants from us. What I’m saying is this. I’m not sure that God is so much concerned with whether you choose this car or that car. I think what God is more interested in is your character, your values, you motivation. What may be the right action for you might not be the right action for another person. I’m pretty sure this is what Paul is talking about in a passage like 1 Corinthians 8 where he’s saying some people choose one thing for one reason and some people choose another for other reasons. What’s most important is what’s going on inside you as you’re making the decision.
- Another thought. It seems like there’s a lot of talk about “hearing God’s voice” these days. I really do believe that sometimes God speaks so clearly that it’s almost an audible voice. But most of the time I rely on the mind God created in me, the communities of faith that surround me (small group, mentors, etc.), and the character of God as revealed in Scripture. I think that sometimes people want a “quick fix” God.
- I depend on peace. This is a bit fuzzy, but there are times where I just haven’t felt okay inside about a decision. I can’t explain it…I just know that there is something that I should/shouldn’t do. I’m pretty sure that this is Holy Spirit inside me, serving as my “conscience.”
anyway…sorry for the long post…hope you enjoy the new car!
Charlie, I’ve had a lot of time to think about stuff like this. I really feel like people focus too much on “being in the will of God” and not enough on whether what they do glorifies God or not. A huge example for us is our next move. There are multiple places we could choose to go (if there is a job available in that location). But, when it comes down to it, I’m not sure God has a specific will for us as long as we are honoring him wherever we are. For example, there is a part of me that would love to live in the suburbs by family. There are a lot of great things about that. BUT, being the chicagoland suburbs just almost automatically equals a place for me to be struggling with contentment. I think I’ll feel a pull to keep up with the “Joneses” and constantly feel that I “need” more. Whereas in Peoria, I’m not sure that I would have as big of a problem with that. So, I have to question more whether I would be honoring God in that place rather than whether or not it is his specific will. But I think you’re right – God has given us the Spirit to act as our consciences and speak to us in these situations. Leslie, if you have a peace, my guess is you’ll be okay. Enjoy your new car!
angie
February 21, 2008 at 4:07 pm
Thanks Charlie!
Leslie
February 22, 2008 at 1:00 pm
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BANDE DE GROSSE MERDE QUI PU LE ZOB
elodie
June 23, 2008 at 6:57 am