Self Deception Series Part III: Interpreting Providence

Matthew 22:29 NIV (Biblos.com)

“Jesus replied, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.”

It’s interesting; the things I hear from Christians young and old perplex me. I think that we live in an age where people are polarized and unbalanced, giving rise to bizarre approaches to formulating beliefs and behaviors. We tend to interpret the things that enter our lives in either in an unrealistic, favorable light or the through the lenses of worst case scenarios. This is neither healthy for us individually or edifying for others.

Some of the things that come into our life are evil and from the enemy. God allows it, but His desire is for us to resist and become mature and trained so we can overcome Satan. These allowances are certainly with in the realm of providence. We need to understand providence from a thouroughly Christian perspective. Providence is simply a term that means God prearranges all things good and evil to bring about His desired outcome. When I say prearranges that simply means nothing can happen without Him allowing it to come to pass through the agency of  created, volitional (beings endowed with choice – angels and men for example) creatures or by direct divine action. Divine action can be seen as acts such as creating the universe and its laws, parting the red sea and Christ’s resurrection . Providence does not mean that your life has been prearranged to suit you and your aims; it means God has prearranged all things to secure eternal benefits for ALL the members of His kingdom.

The error of God’s people has consistently been based on the exaltation of their wills and preferences. If we knew the scriptures better and the power of God more intimately, we would not jump to conclusions on God’s providence. It’s hubris to believe providence serves us primarily and that we can interpret what God is doing in our lives without seeking His leading. The flawed logic flows this way:

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We can know God and His ways, if we continually turn to him. If we do — we will refrain from going about our lives in search of something we have manufactured in our minds. I thank God for His providence, but I grieve God with my selfish interpretations. In fact I may be causing others to stumble when I confidently declare what God is doing on my behalf. God save us/me from self deception.

 

 

 

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