Good ideas are not the same as God ideas

The Greek word 'idea' comes from a word meaning to see, or to know, and means the form, appearance, or aspect. It is actually rendered "countenance" in the New Testament and only appears once.

Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. (Mat 28:1-3)

Isn't that interesting that the angel's "idea" was like lightning? (You didn't know where the concept of bright and shining ideas came from, did you? :))

The Word of God says that all good things come from God, and in that sense if an idea is truly a good one it is a gift from God, just as our amazing brains are gifts from God.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.
(Jas 1:17)

However, we must not mistake good ideas for God ideas. The latter flows from a relationship with God and His Word, and the former flows from your brain and bright light bulbs. (Recent research actually concluded that we’re more likely to come up with creative ideas if we’ve been exposed to that universal symbol of brilliant ideas: a glowing light bulb. The studies clearly suggest exposure to a bare, glowing light bulb stimulates mental processes that lead to creative thinking.)

As Christ-followers we must be careful to study the Word, pray, and seek God ideas, as they can lead us in a direction that good ideas won't. Someone once said that that the good is often the enemy of best. Too often in life we miss the best by settling for the good.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil. (Pro 3:5-7)

How interesting that the Word of God would caution us NOT to be wise in our own eyes. It's not that God doesn't want us to be wise and to have good ideas. It's just that they are a poor substitute for God's direction and God ideas.

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.