I Don’t Need God
As I was running the other day, I realized something that really disturbed me - I don’t need God. I mean, I never actually said it with my mouth, nor was this an arrogant declaration; I am way too spiritual and “elder brotherish” for that. lol! But, I say it with my actions all the time. For what I believe determines how I behave and how I behave reveals what I really believe. Here are some I don’t need God indicators that the Holy Spirit revealed to me:
When I fail to pray.
When I depend on my creativity and gifting more than seeking to be empowered and used by the Holy Spirit.
When I secretly take the credit for God’s work through me and fail to thank God for his gifting and use of those gifts to advance his kingdom.
When I consult my mentors before I consult God for personal guidance and important decisions. Or, when I don’t consult God at all.
When I think God’s help and power is nice but not absolutely necessary.
When I am a practical atheist – saying that God exists, but living as if he doesn’t.
When I allow people’s positive or negative opinions of me to define me and my ministry.
When my money, possessions, social media make less and less room for God.
I need God and I know I need God. I just want to make sure I am living like I need God.
What about you? Do you think this list is accurate? What are some other postures that we take that indicate we don’t need God? Please join the conversation and invite others.
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Tags: Dependence on God, God, I Don't Need God, Independence, Practical Atheism
August 11th, 2009 at 1:20 pm
i think there isn't a difference between "depend on my creativity and gifting more than seeking to be empowered and used by the Holy Spirit", and i don't think god cares about the order in which you consult anybody. it's certainly easier to schedule time with god than with *my* mentors, and i'm sure god is well aware of that
i guess my point is, i don't think god is petty. god doesn't care about being on citation lists or priority in authorship, let alone in coming before people (indeed i think people often *have* to come first, b/c they are needier than god is, and it is morally necessary to attend to the neediest at highest priority).
i think if you truly believe you are god's creation, then it follows that god takes *direct* pride in your goodness.
August 11th, 2009 at 5:26 pm
Man of God, thank you for setting my record straight. Dealing with so much and not including God is truly a danger. Thank you very much
August 11th, 2009 at 6:25 pm
You are so right. it is so easy to get caught in the impatience trap and thinking we know better and more than God. When you get a chance, check out Joshua 9. This illustrates this really well.
August 11th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
dang. this cuts deep. it reminds me also of what craig groeschel called the christian atheist: that is, one who says they believe in GOD but live life as though they don't.
thanks for this spiritually provoking "self-examination".
August 11th, 2009 at 6:53 pm
What's good, justin? Man, I wrote this for me and invited others to listen in on my soul musings. lol! Glad that it provoked thought. It is so easy to say we need God, but live like we don't need his wisdom, power, deep movements in our souls, forgiveness, direction, comfort. etc. Bless you for letting me see I am not alone. Grace and peace. btw, I love your blog.
August 12th, 2009 at 1:09 am
I'm sad to say it, but most days I think I live like I don't need God. I'm not even sure I say it with my mouth and my actions are the lie. Am I just an actor? I'm so glad God sees me covered by the blood and gives me grace accordingly.
August 12th, 2009 at 4:17 am
I think often when I do think that I need God (which isn't very often honestly) what I really am thinking is that I need God to be what I want Him to be… if that makes sense. It's idolatry.
August 12th, 2009 at 6:12 am
your article makes you think.It's amazing in crises we look for him.It shouldn't be that way but it is.we should thank him everyday and do something kind for others this life isn't all ways about us.Take time out just to say hi to someone or hold a door.Or give a neighbor a wave.Stop being about oneself and try to be more christ like.
August 12th, 2009 at 6:22 am
That's sad that you dont need GOD very often.keep living you'll find out thats all you got and only he can do the impossible.Have great day
August 12th, 2009 at 10:06 am
It makes perfect sense. He will be what I need him to be – healer, provider, peace, etc., but he will not be tamed and domesticated. Profound insight, Chris! I really appreciate you. Thanks for adding your voice on this one.
August 12th, 2009 at 10:09 am
We all are guilty of this. Remember, we're in process and each day we seek to make progress. We wake each morning, recognizing and responding to his grace. Thanks for adding your voice to the convo.
August 12th, 2009 at 10:12 am
Great insight! It should be that we think about him only when we're in trouble and stressed out. We have to intentionally make room for God each day, listening to his voice and responding to his pushes and promptings. Our responses should lead us to look more and more like Jesus. Thanks for sharing your thoughts here.
August 12th, 2009 at 10:21 am
Lisa, thanks for adding your voice to the conversation. I know I need God and I know He is all I have. However, there are times when all of us act like we don't need him. When we take control of our own lives or fail to consult him on a decision or allow fear and worry to reign in our lives, we are actually saying we don't need him. I need him every day and every hour; I desire to live each of those moments intensely and deeply recognizing my full dependence on him. Thanks for the push back and adding your voice to this conversation.
August 12th, 2009 at 1:34 pm
When one allows fear and worry to step in You need to open the bible up and read the word and apply it to your sittuation it's not easy at frist and fear grips you like it owns you but you can't go on how you feel or what you see or hear.You have to beleive the word and god does the impossile that's what I'm doing.And a lot of praying.Keep
living your life being considerate of others and treat people the way you want to be treated.
August 12th, 2009 at 1:47 pm
When you get in a sittuation or problem and only GOD can do the impossible I beleive your response will change.And your not an actor your just in self been there.
August 12th, 2009 at 10:02 am
Yes include GOD and pray over everything and read his word on what ever you may be dealing with.Also, ask GOD to reveal to you what you should do.
August 12th, 2009 at 2:24 pm
You said it should be that we think about him (god) only when were in trouble and stress out.Do you mean instead of worrying and stressing out give it to god.And have faith he will do something.And go on with life
August 12th, 2009 at 3:42 pm
Great article. It really makes one think. I've often heard it said, that people listen to what you say, but they watch what you do. Our actions are generally a better indicator of our true beliefs than our words. "Actions speak louder than words."