Thursday, January 27, 2011

Why "Doing Me" is Unbiblical

    Everyone has been told at least once to "do you" or "do what you feel is right", but how do we know what is right? If I have a problem deciding whether or not to do drugs, and someone tells me to "do what [I] feel is right", would I be wrong for choosing to do drugs? It felt right to me, so it must be cool, right? There are many examples in the Bible to address this problematic way of thinking.
    In the tenth chapter of Leviticus, the first few verses are a short but significant story about Aaron's sons. Nadab and Abihu, two priests, appeared before the Lord to offer unauthorized fire. It is quite clear in verse 1 that God had not commanded them to do so. Therefore, He consumed them in fire "and they died before the Lord" (2). As the eye witnesses were shocked by this, Moses said to Aaron, "This is what the Lord spoke of when He said, 'Among those who approach me I will show myself holy. In the sight of all the people I will be honored'" (3). Aaron was speechless.
    Now, there was nothing wrong with Nadab and Abihu's wanting to give God gifts; however, their mindless initiative was not pleasing to God. He wants us to do things His way, not our own way. The priests failed to seek God's will first. Though God has a revealed will and a sovereign will, we are given His revealed will to consult for life instructions. God's sovereign will is what we witness each day. There is no wonder that we can make plans with good intentions, but still they are not executed in the way we hoped. This is God exercising His soveriegn will.
    In conclusion, do not be an arrogant decision-maker by claiming to know what is right based on a "feeling," but seek God's counsel and ask Him- "What does Your word say about this? Is this edifying?" Asking these simple questions may allow you to exercise better judgment in situations you never stopped to consider before. Then will you not only humble yourself and make wise choices, but you will also build a better, closer relationship with your Heavenly Father.

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