Schizophrenic God

Ever notice how many people invoke the name of God when describing the reason for doing something.  This is especially true in Christian circles.  People talk about God leading them to do this or wanting them to do that.  Sometimes it is a neat way to defend an action that someone has a problem with.  Just say, "God let me to do it," or "I had to follow God's leading."  What can anyone say to that?

A pastor friend of mine the other day had a great quote in response to this phenomenon, "If God told you to do this, than God must be schizophrenic."  I love it!  That goes right to the heart of the matter.  So often people claim to be following the Lord's leading when really this is a god of their own creation.  We reform God into our image and then have a great puppet who says what we want and validates how we feel.  He is most interested in protecting our pride and our well-being.  His primary concern is that we be happy.  Such a nice, loving God.  But that is not the God of the Bible.

God appears schizophrenic when we do things in His name even though there are clear scriptures where God's Word says the contrary.  We need to be very very careful before we quote "what God told me" especially to defend ourselves.  We need to make sure that we are looking at the totality of Scripture and the counsel of God in His Word before we make such brash statements.  Here's a great quote from Steve Taylor in the song "Guilty by Association"

"So you say its of the devil and you've got no choice
'cause you heard a "revelation" from a still small voice (Hey you)
If the Bible doesn't back it then it seems quite clear
Perhaps it was the devil that whispered in your ear."

Remember, one of the ways that Satan deceived Eve was to try to confuse her about what God had really said.  Jesus answers the devil by quoting Scripture.

Check out this great song by David Meece called "Over You".  It starts with talking about all the wars that have been fought "in the name of God."