Sometimes Human Logic Works; Sometimes Not

I’m sitting in the board room of “FamilyLife Today” in Little Rock, Arkansas, as I write this. Quite frankly, this feels like a surreal experience. Years ago I was a stay-at-home mom who padded our family’s budget by cleaning other people’s homes. Later, after we entered a year-round Christian camping ministry, I scrubbed pots and pans and baked umpteen dozen birthday cakes for summer staff and campers alike.

Never, ever would I have imagined that someday I’d be sitting here, typing my blog as I wait for my turn to be interviewed by Dennis Rainey and Bob LePine about my book Moving From Fear to Freedom. The only thing I can say is that God is full of surprises for those who say yes to His assignments.

I remember when I first sensed God nudging me to write this book. My human logic scoffed at the idea: “Who, me? You want me to do what? Are you kidding? I can’t do that.” It reminded me that I’d never taken a course about how to write books. And it ridiculed me with possible failure or rejection if I tried. Thank goodness God’s voice spoke louder than logic.

Sometimes human logic makes sense

Relying on human logic makes sense in some cases. For example, we know that washing our hands with soap after using the toilet helps prevent the spread of disease. We understand that running into a busy street without stopping to look both directions could result in an accident. Spending money frivolously while on a limited budget will drain our bank account dry.

Some facts about life never change. But human logic doesn’t always align with God’s method of thinking. Sometimes His ways look silly or even slightly ridiculous when measured against Human Logic 101.

Where’s the logic in building an ark?

How did Noah feel when God told him to build the ark? What did Joshua think when God told him to march around Jericho seven times and then blast it with trumpets? What did Moses feel when God told him to draw water from a rock for millions of thirsty Israelites? If these guys had listened to logic, their stories would have ended much differently.

Sometimes human logic is downright contrary to God’s thinking. For instance, logic says we must work hard to develop financial security. God warns us not to trust in our own strength alone to provide for our needs but to look to Him as our provider.

Logic says we can satisfy selfish desires in secret and get away with it. God says what’s hidden in the darkness will be brought to light.

Logic tells us we’re not skilled enough or smart enough or talented enough to do what God asks us to do. God says He’ll equip us for the task.

Human reasoning isn’t always a good thing

If we want to live life as God intends for us, then we need to discern the difference between human logic and His way thinking and choose the latter.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 says,

“We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.”

When human logic fails to align with what God says, let’s call it what it is: a false argument and a rebellious thought. If we listen to it and live by it, it becomes a proud obstacle that keeps us from knowing God.

Our responsibility is to destroy it using God’s mighty weapons. We need to fill our minds with the Truth of His Word and listen to the voice of His Holy Spirit, obeying what He says rather than following the logic that leads us down the wrong path.

Human logic told me that I had little or nothing of significance to offer other women. God said otherwise.  If I’d listened to logic and agreed with it, I’d have rebelled against God. That would have prevented me from experiencing His amazing sufficiency and surprises.