Is The Spirit Leading Me?

Sometimes it's hard to discern when we are listening and submitting to God as opposed to following our flesh. Our rebellion against God is always in us. The flesh wants what it wants and we allow ourselves to be manipulated by our emotions and desires into believing God wants what we want.

In His ultimate wisdom and mercy God has given us a way to discern the difference with confidence. The Scriptures are our compass in these matters. Does this decision align with the message and spirit of God's word? Does it harmonize with the ideas and directions handed down from God? Unlike our own plans God's word never changes. Does the direction you are taking put you in a closer proximity to Jesus commands for us? He is quoted in Matthew, Mark, and Luke as commanding us to "love God with all our heart, soul and mind". Then He says "and love your neighbor as yourself". This was Christ's greatest commandment. Do your plans harmonize with this command?

Not only should we be judging our plans with the Bible we should also judge THE WAY we do what we do. Does our attitude reflect the fruits of the Spirit? The way we treat others to accomplish our goal. It's not possible that the Spirit is leading us in a direction that harms or takes advantage of others. He will not lead us to do things that require us to sin in our actions or our hearts. Take a hard look at your intentions. When we examine these matters with a humble and repentant heart and we truly want to know where God is leading the answers become apparent. Held up to the light of Jesus all of our dark sinful intentions come into drastic contrast and become easy to spot like a pool of blood on a spotless white garment.

Don't fool yourself! God has a better way and it is only found by reflecting the light of Christ back towards the world. I pray this will help you in your next big decision and that you will resist the urge to fulfill your fleshly desires and follow Christ!