Let God be God
There is a way that seems right to a
man, but its end is the way to death. – Proverbs 14:12
We like to tell other people what to do, don’t we? We
like to sit on our throne and pass judgement on those around us.
Of course, we don’t view it that way. We only want
what’s best for them. They just can’t see the truth like we do. And don’t they
read the Bible? Don’t they see the wrong in what they’re doing?
There’s one major problem in always knowing how other
people should live their lives: it’s embedded in idolatry of ourselves.
Wait a minute, you’re saying about now. No. I don’t
idolize myself, you’re insisting. Are you sure about that?
Why do you think that you have the right to judge
others or to instruct them as to how they should live their lives? We’re not
talking about a preacher speaking from the pulpit or a teacher leading a class.
We’re talking about individuals who go around getting angry because others aren’t
living their lives the way we think they should.
I have had so much “advice” in recent years. What
about you? People are quick to tell me what to do and how to do it. They aren’t
quick to actually help when it comes to work. They aren’t there to cope with
the sorrow and everyday heartaches. Not at all. They’d rather stand outside and
point their fingers at what they don’t understand and what isn’t any of their
business.
How about you? Do you have people who want to manage
your life too? Are they giving you unsolicited advice about jobs or
child-rearing or how to take care of your lawn?
I have a neighbor whose name I don’t even know. He and
his wife seem nice enough except that he has decided that with my Daddy gone on
to heaven that it’s his job to give me advice about cows. Except the man doesn’t
own cows. He’s never owned cows. His comments are condescending and ignorant.
I’ve tried to be nice but mostly I just avoid him. I
don’t want to deal with him. Do I ever need advice? Absolutely. And when I do, I
seek out people who own livestock. I ask questions from people who deal with
cows every single day.
He means well. I tell myself that again and again. I
know it’s not about me. Really, it isn’t. It’s about his need to control the
actions of someone else. People who try to direct the lives of others are all
about control.
We all probably have someone like that in our lives. Maybe
we are that person for someone else. We are making ourselves an idol, believing
that we know better than anyone else, including God.
Ah. There it is. God is the One in control. God is the
One directing our steps. God is the One who knows the right path for each of
us.
Sometimes we believe truly, deep down in our hearts,
that we know the best path for someone else. We don’t. Certainly, pray about
your concerns. If the person has taken a wrong path, the Holy Spirit will
convict them. But whatever you do, get out of the way and Let God be God. Trust
Him with your own life and the lives of those around you.
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