The Spirit didn't tell me to!

I have heard this phraze a lot here lately and would like some insight or advise. I don't know why but in the context of the this phrase it seems to be an excuse rather than a heartfelt move of the Spirit. I have thought about how one counters this not really to be witty or clever but through love show the error of such a statement when it doesn't line up with the Word of God, worst of all the one that I have heard say this phrase is one of authority and has made such statements as "this is what the Lord has told me to do and if you don't like it you can get off the wagon." And in regards to the spirit didn't tell me to it was to stop and help someone homeless.

Now to make this clear I believe in the Holy Spirit as an active member of the Godhead, as a Third part of the One true God. I believe He still talks to people and is active among the church, but my problem with this phrase is the use of it How does one correct such a statement when the people using it are "spirit-led" individuals. I have thought of many different ways to refute such a statement in Love. I will go over a couple and if anyone could add to this in hopes of helping me I would appreciate it, also if you think my thoughts are zaney then let me know.

1. When hearing this phrase "This is what the Lord told me and if you don't like it then get off the wagon."

Probably the best way is to simply get off the "wagon" yet another way to hopefully correct would be to say I prayed about this situation and the Spirit told me you were wrong, lets see who is right by going to the Word.

2. "The Spirit didn't tell me to stop."

I again am a believer of the Holy Spirit speaking to people, however our clearest voice to listen to is the voice of the Bible and act upon the Spirit of the Bible, So in a sense If the Spirit doesn't convict and lead you then the Bible ought to.

I urge all who desire to live a spirit filled life to follow the Spirit YES but ALWAYS Test and Check that Spirit with the Word of the Lord ALWAYS. Remember your heart is deceitfully wicked and will chase after its own desires if left unchecked, and also the Devil will act as an angel of Light so test it to see if its subject to the Lord Jesus Christ. I have been working on this myself, I have found that a lot of my activity wasn't actually the Lord speaking but a religious spirit that acted contrary to the Word. I hope that this is edifying and brings glory to Christ Jesus, also wondering if there are any other phrases you have all heard to be careful of and advise on what one might do or say in response.

God Bless,
Matthew

Matthew,

When told, "The Spirit didn't tell me to..." you can simply reply, "Did you ask?" That may help you discern apathy from someone having a different calling. Phrased another way, "Do you start your day asking God to clearly make known to you where He wants you and what He wants you to do/say?"

In regards to your last paragraph, please consider Matthew 12:33-37 and Luke 6:43-45.

Grace and peace,
Matthew

This is what the Lord told me and if you don't like it then get off the wagon."

Matthew, from the onset let me tell you I did not read the posts where these statements were used so whatever I will say is in no reflection to anyone here on SI.

Brother, this quote sounds a tad bit arrogant although it may be true. Even if I have never heard it said, I would cringe in my spirit if I heard it said in person. On the other hand, Jesus practiced it, especially in regards to the Pharisees.

There are those people who do work to distract you from God's work by being annoying, asking stupid questions or simply making things difficult for you. Under these circumstances one could easily say "get with it or get out of my way!" These kind of people would be like the cat that just hangs around your legs wanting to be petted. Since you have much more important things to do at the moment, you give the thing a shove with your foot so he will know where you want him/her to get and that is out of your way!

"The Spirit didn't tell me to stop."

I surmise this was said in regards to pan-handlers sitting by the roadside? How to deal with beggars is a problem faced by many white missionaries as the go to third world countries. There all the poor consider a westerner, which is usually white, to be rich, and would they share their wealth with them? In the USA these people are known as the homeless.

Once again, how did Jesus handle this matter? He went about teaching but on two occasions he fed thousands. Later he observed that all the people wanted was food, had no interest in the spiritual message. Now, how does one deal with these people? May I suggest that one does as another said to start the day and ask the LORD for direction. He may say "stop" or he may say "go on."

We have been conditioned since childhood to always be giving and failure to do so indicates selfishness. The idea that God would say 'no' in regards to any form of helping or ministry just is not on many people's radar. I have experienced the time when God said you 'are done here!' This is in regards to my volunteering at a Crises Pregnancy Center. OH! OH! I thought I would be there until I would be too old and decrepit to work anymore! But he said "You are done!" I could have persisted and continued but I would have been working out away from divine protection and guidance - no good place to be.

My time at this center also included the sharing of clothing to needy people. The problem we faced was the giving of goods where it fostered a dependent mentality, lifestyle. Because of it, I cringed, hated to open the closet knowing full well this is the danger. Since this was the case - and we did see it happen where clients felt we owed them clothing for their children (they did not care for them either) - I backed off and told the others to handle what should or should not be given. It is a real problem for those in a helping ministry to discern who needs help or those who are merely lazy. I know this is a politically incorrect mindset but Bro. Paul said that if you do not work neither should you eat!

And then there are those people who will use this expression to justify their rebellion. God no longer speaks to them because they have been spurning his voice for so long they couldn't hear him if he used a bullhorn.

I would guess it would require divine discernment to know which spirit is compelling one to use these statements.

What are the other statements that you question? Your observations are very insightful...

My insight or opinion - take your pick!

ginnyrose

Thank you for your input and scripture references, I found a lot of my religious activity produced false fruit. Acting out of a religious spirit causing myself to puff up with pride.

Just to clarify, the Gospel references were in regards to the heart as opposed to false fruit.

Jesus speaks of a good overflow from a good heart not a desperately wicked and sick heart.

Its funny how perspective works, :) I agree with all of your points unfortunately when these phrases are used it seems to be an excuse. I agree with your statement on Jesus using the first phrase, He used it on the religious leaders while in my instance its used to people that simply disagree with the method used for Childrens church in which some of the workers feel what is happening is unbiblical rather than practical and biblical. Its coming from a very Authoritarian out look, and seems said phrases are used to justify the means.

We live in a small county and so we don't have many homeless people come through, I understand your point on your job to discern those just using the system, I agree in your instance however since homeless people are few and far between, then it doesn't really make sense to deny them food. Its pretty hard to discern if they are swindlers and lazy if you only have contact with them a few times and don't see their heart. I kind of came to the place where I decided I like being taken advantage of if that be the case because I grossly take advantage of the grace of Christ on a day to day bases.

I have heard various statements that made my eyebrow raise and my spirit to cringe. One of which is in regards to the childrens ministry in which the statement was made "You can do whatever you want as long as it lines up with the vision the Lord gave me, to accomplish it by any means necessary.

Agree with the context, I believe that your heart becomes good through the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit and it happens over time. Until we are fully sanctified our hearts will, like the Spirit and the Flesh, war against each other.