I’m a blunt person. I can help it, I don’t have to be, it’s a choice. I don’t think that I’m too blunt or that I go over the edge, but perhaps I do. And if I do, I pray that God will give me the wisdom and discernment to recognize it and censor myself. Some people are eloquent teachers and preachers, but I am not and here is why:
There are certain phrases that the religious world likes to say; things like: “quiet time” and “God led me to”. Those phrases drive me crazy. The churches that I have placed membership with and worshipped with over my short life haven’t said things like that. These are recent pet peeves of mine stemming from groups of people that I find questionable. Blunt, alright – yeah.
Have you ever heard the phrase “the Devil made me do it”? Now that one I’ve heard for years, but only used in sarcasm. “God let me to” is just like “the Devil made me do it”. It’s hogwash. It is absolte, no end in sight, hogwash.
God created us with the ability to choose! From the very first human being, we had a choice: do good or do bad. The Devil did not make Eve take that fruit. Eve did it! Eve did it all by herself! The Devil recognized the desire in her heart and played off of it. Eve chose to disobey God. Caine chose to kill Abel. Jacob chose to trick Esau and fool his father. Abraham chose to take his maidservant. Moses chose to strike the rock. Judas chose to betray Jesus and Peter chose to deny Him!
“I really feel God has led me to do this” is a slap in the face. It’s a self-righteous, desperate plea to be recognized as someone with great faith, and someone who should be listened to as the final word. If I thump you between the eyes and then add in a soft, quiet voice, “Well, I really feel that God led me to do that,” does that make it okay? Don’t act like you’re giving me some new direct revelation because I know that’s not happening.
“God led me to say that,” equates to, “God needs me.” God does not need you. God does not need me. God does not need anyone or anything! God has revealed all that we need to know to us and if something needs to be said, God has said it. You think I have no right to recognize someone as not a Christian? I’ll point you to a little passage “God led me to” called 1 Corinthians 5:2 where an inspired writer of God said to cease fellowship with a serial sinner. You think that I’m not loving enough with my words? I’ll point you to 1 Corinthians 6:10 where the sinners will not inherit the kingdom of God and then say, “You don’t think it’s loving that I care enough to tell you that if you don’t straighten up, you’ll end up there… with them… in hell?” Yes, God is love. God is also jealous, Truth, and the final judgement.
God does not make me do things. God does not guide me to a specific place. If He did, what would it mean if I loved Him? What would it matter if I had faith? The choice is what is important: if I can’t choose, why did Christ die?