I felt led to ...

Many Christians from my tribe use this phrase to qualify their decisions: "I felt led..." It explains their choice to seek out a new church, to justify their purchase of a new car;  to make all kinds of important life choices.  Most of those who claim to 'feel led' by the Lord are sincere in their intent and motive.   Some claim the Spirit’s inspiration for choices that are just plain silly, or self-indulgent; or worst of all – outright sinful!   Is this as it should be or is inspiration something better?

The Bible teaches us that Spirit-filled Christians should be led by the Spirit. Paul says that "those who are led by the Spirit are children of God." (Gal. 6.14)   We need, however, to challenge the idea that being “led by the Spirit” is just a feeling, a hunch, an intuition! Our lives should be marked by sound thinking, wise counsel, as well as ‘good vibes!’ 

Rick Nanez writes - "Waves of romanticism, relativism, individualism, and New Age teachings have unleashed a rising emphasis on feelings over thinking, emotions over doctrine, and experience over intellect. Wherever these find an inroad, it comes at the expense of casting away our rational rudders. In turn, this steers many Believers into the currents of waywardness - into the vast sea of subjectivity, where the drizzling clouds of mysticism dictate their spiritual journey. ... the turbulent winds of half-truth blow these helpless castaways into the vicious crags of confusion and mindless spirituality." - Full Gospel, Fractured Minds? - Zondervan, 2005

Mature disciples know that God gave them both mind and heart! God's Spirit operates through both equally to bring about His purposes and will. God’s invitation is "Come now, let us reason together.” Isaiah 1:18 (NIV) The word, 'reason' is a word meaning, "argue your case, talk it over, work it out!" God asks Spirit-led people to live with a deep, life-shaping faith but not a blind one. As we serve God, we do so with reason intact.

Some might ask-"What of faith? Are we to act on only what can be proven or tested by natural means?” Both individuals and the Church must be open to receiving truth that is revealed by Him to us in ways outside of the usual channels of discovery and learning.  I am convinced - both by my experience and the testimony of the Scripture- that God speaks to His people, individually and collectively. There will be moments when His leading defies our natural reasoning powers, when what we believe God is asking of us flies in the face of the facts that surround us.

In such instances, we are wise to take time to test our impression, to share our ‘revelation’ with trusted, wise Christians. Asking God to give us discerning minds, to keep us from impulse or gullibility, is not the same as refusing to follow His lead. It is humble recognition of our humanity.  We are imperfect. We can get it wrong. I can tell many stories of unstable people who were given too much credence, who led God’s people into silly, foolish, even destructive places. John warns: "do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world." 1 John 4:1 (NLT) 

The passage goes on to say that the primary test to determine who is a genuine 'prophet' - that is one who is claiming to hear from God and speak for God- is the way he conducts himself day to day. Is there strong evidence of submission to Jesus Christ as Lord? There is no one so dangerous to your spiritual health as the person who is a rebellious rogue, who recognizes no authority but himself.

Next time you’re ready to say, “I’m led…” make sure you really are hearing from the Lord! When someone urges you to take some action based on a ‘word from the Lord’ don’t be shy about telling them you want time to evaluate and test the word! Let's be people of the Spirit, led by Him into works of faith, using the wonderful powers of reason that He has given to us. By this God will be glorified and His kingdom built strong.

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He leadeth me, O blessed thought!
O words with heavenly comfort fraught!
Whate'er I do, where-e'er I be,
Still 'tis God's hand that leadeth me.

Lord, I would clasp Thy hand in mine,
Nor ever murmur nor repine;
Content whatever lot I see,
Since 'tis my God that leadeth me.

He leadeth me, He leadeth me,
By His own hand He leadeth me;
His faithful follower I would be,
For by His hand He leadeth me.

And when my task on earth is done,
When by Thy grace the vict'ry's won,
E'en death's cold wave I will not flee,
Since God through Jordan leadeth me.

He Leadeth Me O Blessed Thought
Gilmore, Joseph H. / Bradbury, William B.
© Public Domain