Is it good, or is it God?

I believe this is a very valid question to ask ourselves. Am I doing a good thing, or am I doing God’s will? How do I know the difference between the two? Isn’t it supposed to be normal to do good things?

I believe that balance is an important aspect to help us determine whether or not we are doing things purposefully or just simply doing good things to keep us busy. Balance is a product of wisdom. God’s wisdom will help us discern this.

It is God’s will for us to be intentional and purposeful about everything we do (Ephesians 5:15-17). We should be intentional about working, and we should also be intentional about resting.  The problem comes in when we find ourselves overworked, stressed, overwhelmed and rushed as a lifestyle. Though this is considered “normal” in our society, it is not the norm for us through the eyes of God.

It’s so very easy to get in the rush-rush of things. We have so many opportunities pulling at us, so many things vying for our attention. Some of those things are distractions, keeping our time and energy tied up into things that appear to be good but are not God’s will. The intent of the enemy is to keep us burned out doing things we are not called to do while having no energy when the opportunity comes that’s a God-send.

Remember Mary and Martha in the Bible? In Luke 10:38-42 Mary was at the feet of Jesus while Martha was the one doing all of the work. Martha got upset with Mary because, in her eyes, she should have been helping, but Jesus said that she received the greater and better portion, a portion that shall never be taken away from her. There comes a time where even ministry, without the wisdom of the Lord and the leading of the Holy Spirit, can bring about negative effects in our lives. We can be so busy working that we’re not worshipping. And it’s hard to hear His voice if we’re not worshipping.

So, how do we know if it’s a good thing or a God thing? The sobering thing to do first is to ask the Holy Spirit to check our motives. Let’s make sure that we are not doing good things to prove anything to anyone. Secondly, let’s make sure we understand and know the purpose in which we do everything. Thirdly, let’s never be too busy working that we cannot hear God. That’s a good starting point. The Holy Spirit will reveal the rest.