What is That to You – Devotional for Monday, November, 15, 2010

We are incapable of running our own lives. This is often the realization that brings us to the cross. We make such a mess of our lives that we realize that our only alternative is to turn it over to  God.

But our desire to control is strong. Sometimes we decide that since we can’t control our own lives, maybe we can control the lives of others. One of the hardest lessons to learn comes from our stubborn refusal to refrain from interfering in other people’s lives. It takes a long time to realize the danger of being an amateur providence, that is, interfering with God’s plan for others. You see someone suffering and say, “He will not suffer, and I will make sure that he doesn’t.” You put your hand right in front of God’s permissive will to stop it, and then God says, “What is that to you?” 

God does use us to assist and often advise others; but that comes out of our relationship with Him.  When you do have to give advice to another person, God will advise through you with the direct understanding of His Spirit. Your part is to maintain the right relationship with God so that His discernment can come through you continually for the purpose of blessing someone else.

As Christians, it is proper that our hearts go out to others. Such sympathy should lead first to prayer, and then, only after specific instruction from God, to any action. I am an amateur carpenter. One of the first rules of carpentry I learned was to “measure twice, cut once.” It is important that we are sure that our desire to act comes from God before act. Like a carpentry power tool, our actions can cut permanently. 

We should love like God loves, recognizing He loves wisest and best. If He needs our help, He’ll ask.

Listen and be blessed.

Nick