In their day to day lives, many Christians are enslaved to a subjective means of “discerning God’s will.” I know that theological discussion on the will of God is a controversial issue in and of itself, but the way many Christians use the term “God’s will” or “will of God” in conversation is almost blasphemous. Some rely on subjective feelings to determine “God’s will” for their lives, and others use the term—which includes the name of God—as a means to their own selfish and manipulative ends.
What comes to mind is a “Christian” pickup line that I read couple years ago. The man approaches the woman in a British, debonair manner—with all class and sophistication—and introduces himself. “My name is Will…God’s Will.”
As amusing as that pickup line is, it is also representative of the ignorant arrogance of the average Christian in knowing God’s will. I’ve been that foolish in the past. However, after reading the Scriptures, God by his grace has corrected me of such foolish thinking. The pickup line also demonstrates the danger of the phrase “will of God.”
Why is it so dangerous? First, it is a very intimidating phrase. When the words “God’s will” vibrate the eardrums of many Christians, they are immediately reverent to them and the words that precede or follow them. Christians can be a trusting, but naïve, bunch, and many predatory vultures can use this to their advantage. Countless immoral relationships began with a guy—or girl—saying, “God told me that…” Even more heresies began with similar sayings. The Christian who is a babe in the Word will be easily convinced to comply.
Not only do these words lead many astray, they are also blasphemous. Many predators know how manipulative the words “God’s will” can be, and it troubles not their conscious to use the name of God to their advantage. Essentially, they are heralding words on God’s behalf that God did not speak. This is a direct violation of the Third Commandment, “Thou shalt not take the Lord thy God’s name in vain.”
Tommorrow, Part 2 of 4. "How do we discern God's will?"
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