Proverbs 3: 5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.
I recently came across this phrase ‘is it God, or is it good’, and the profound meaning of this statement struck a deep chord in my soul – not only the meaning, but the implication and ramifications as well.
Human beings appreciate good deeds. Either in performing kind acts, engaging in random deeds of goodness, or offering a humanitarian service – these gestures could be sacrificial and motivational. Thus, there is definitely something about good deeds that makes the heart lighter and merrier, not to mention that it makes the world a better living space for us all!
The message of this article goes beyond good deeds – it encompasses every possible major decision or action taken in life; and might only be appreciated by matured Christians. It touches on a certain cogent point that is food for thought; and this has to do with the driving force (behind) or the influence/trigger for everything we do.
For the purpose of this article, the overarching trigger for the things we do can be categorized into three main influences – God, Good, or Evil. It’s either God motivates us to do something, or our kind nature influences us into performing good deeds, or an evil intention triggers a negative action.
Meditating on the implications of this statement reveal the possibility of engaging in activities that have great intentions, but not necessarily directed or ordained by God! Which is not bad at all. However, there is a big difference between doing what is perceived as good, and what God has actually asked you to do! A deeper evidence of spiritual maturity is the alignment of our actions/motives at any given time to God’s directives/instructions to us on a personal level; not only inspired by kind deeds, good motives, or common sense.
The ability to discern what is good and what is God, as well as the perfect time for execution is a worthy pursuit for all Christians as a deeper walk with God. Otherwise our good intentions could be misaligned with God’s specific purpose at any point in time, and displaced by the deceptive nature of wrong timings! The fact that it is good, does not necessarily mean that it is God. This does not mean we should refrain from good deeds, but rather allow God’s directives/instructions be the driving force or trigger that fuels all of our endeavors.
Is it God, or Is it Good? An easy question and a very simple remark, yet it’s
As we continue to bask in the euphoria of a new year, let us pray for the spirit of discernment for what is good, and what is God, so we don’t deal with the consequences of misaligned intentions and timings.
Take stock of all your endeavors and ask – ‘is it good or is it God?