Over the last few weeks, I’ve heard of a lot of things done “In God’s name” – many of them are awful: Some of the white supremacists who attacked Charlottesville did so believing they were acting on God’s behalf. I know of husbands who pervert scriptures and mistreat their wives, believing they have God’s authority to do so. I know pastors who encourage their people, from the pulpit, to behave in ways that directly oppose the word of God. Daily, I see and hear people spewing hate and justifying it, saying they’re doing “God’s work.”

No wonder Christians are viewed as dangerous.

I vacillate between complete frustration over this and overwhelming heartache.

Followers of Christ – we must be VERY careful when we say we are hearing from God. We should not use that phrase lightly. We should be like the Bereans in Acts 17, who “searched scriptures daily” to determine what was true.

Does God speak to us? Yes! But His will is always consistent with His Word.

Sometimes it’s very clear: My daughter felt God telling her to share Christ with her co-workers last week. That was certainly from Him – we are clearly told to share the Good News with everyone.

Sometimes it’s not as clear: Two and half years ago, we made the decision to move to CA. There was no, “Hey, McGee’s, go to CA!” verse in the Bible. But there were principles we could rely on – We sought wise counsel from others (Prov. 11:14). We discussed who we were with the leadership of the church/school, and found that our gifts could be used to strengthen that body (I Cor. 14:12). And Dave and I were in agreement about the decision (Phil. 2:1-2). All solid evidences that this move was directed by God.

I urge you, sisters (and any brothers reading this), don’t use God’s name as a weapon, don’t sin and say you are doing it in God’s name. Don’t say you’re doing God’s will if it contradicts His word. And study for yourself to see if what others are saying is from God is truly from Him.

“Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15