The phrase “God thing” is commonly used by Christians to refer to events, circumstances, or outcomes that seem providential or divinely ordained. However, the phrase does not originate in the Bible itself. This raises questions about whether it is theologically accurate or advisable to use this terminology.
In evaluating use of the phrase “God thing,” several key considerations come into play:
- The sovereignty of God over all things
- The role of human choice and responsibility
- The mystery of God’s providential working
- The call to speak truthfully about God
First, the Bible clearly teaches that God is sovereign over all of existence, from the greatest to the smallest matters. Nothing happens outside of His divine will and purposes (see Ephesians 1:11). At the same time, human beings have real moral responsibility and make real choices that have consequences (see Joshua 24:15). God’s sovereignty does not negate human responsibility.
Second, the interplay between God’s providence and human choice is complex and ultimately mysterious. We have limited insight into how God’s will works through human decisions to accomplish His purposes (see Romans 11:33-36). We cannot fully explain in human terms how God ordains specific events or situations.
Finally, although God is at work in all things, Christians should be careful in presuming to label particular events as “God things.” Our knowledge is finite, whereas God’s plans are infinite. There is a danger of misrepresenting God’s nature or purposes by attaching the “God thing” label lightly.
With these cautions in mind, here are some biblical principles to guide use of the phrase “God thing”:
- Avoid using the term in a presumptuous or superstitious manner. Do not flippantly claim, “This is a God thing” about common everyday occurrences.
- Be thoughtful about applying it only to events that, upon prayerful reflection, exhibit profound divine fingerprints in hindsight. Look for spiritual fruit and gospel advancement.
- Be willing to say sincerely, “I don’t know” when unsure if something is a “God thing.” Refrain from putting God’s stamp of approval on unsure matters.
- Use phrases like “evidence of God’s grace” or “seems providential” to retain appropriate humility and accuracy.
- Focus on what you do know vs. speculating – God’s nature, gospel promises, Jesus’ lordship, commands to obey, etc.
- Thank God for all good things ultimately coming from Him (James 1:17), without needing to define it as a “God thing.”
In summary, based on biblical principles, it is advisable to use discretion and care when labeling something a “God thing.” This phrase should be applied thoughtfully, not flippantly, to avoid inaccurate or unhelpful labeling of events, circumstances, or outcomes. It is wise to retain humility about mystically claiming to know God’s secret purposes. At the same time, we can still acknowledge, more generically, God’s gracious providence in all circumstances. With wisdom and discernment, we can praise and honor God without needing to define his precise activity in speculative terms like “God thing.”
God’s Sovereignty and Human Responsibility
As mentioned above, two key theological concepts relate to evaluating claims of a “God thing” – God’s sovereignty and human responsibility. God is sovereign over all things, yet people make real and consequential choices.
Bible verses that demonstrate God’s supreme authority and rule over creation include:
Ephesians 1:11 – In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will.
Daniel 4:35 – All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, “What have you done?”
Acts 17:26 – And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place.
Yet the Bible is equally clear that human beings have moral responsibility, make real choices, and are accountable for their actions:
Joshua 24:15 – Choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
Deuteronomy 30:19 – I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live.
2 Corinthians 5:10 – For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.
The interplay between God’s sovereignty and human responsibility – as it relates to labeling events “God things” – remains mysterious. We must avoid the extremes of diminishing either concept at the expense of the other.
Caution Against Presumption
While God is at work in all circumstances, Christians should carefully avoid a presumptuous posture of flippantly labeling events as “God things.” Several biblical themes caution against presumption:
Jeremiah 17:9 – The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?
1 Corinthians 4:5 – Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.
Romans 11:33-34 – Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?”
Given human limitations, we must avoid a superficial certainty about calling events “God things.” Prayerful reflection and wise counsel – while acknowledging the mystery of God’s ways – is essential to avoid foolishness and arrogance.
Speaking Truthfully About God
While exercising caution, Christians simultaneously have a duty to speak truthfully about God’s nature and character revealed in Scripture. Some biblical principles include:
Psalm 115:3 – Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.
Romans 8:28 – And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Psalm 33:11 – The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations.
Isaiah 46:10 -Declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.’
The core truth that God sovereignly oversees all circumstances for His glory and people’s good can be affirmed without needing to label particular events as “God things” definitively.
Role of Discernment
Exercising discernment is essential when evaluating whether an event or circumstance may constitute a “God thing.” Christians should thoughtfully and prayerfully reflect, asking questions like:
- Does this exhibit fruits of God’s Spirit – love, joy, peace, etc.?
- Has it advanced gospel witness or kingdom growth?
- Does it align with God’s revealed Word and character?
- Has it provoked thanksgiving, praise, and glory to God?
- Have I sought wise, godly counsel about it?
- Might I simply be seeing what I want to see in this situation?
Sincere discernment recognizes the real potential for self-deception. It also acknowledges the mystery of God’s ways. Yet discernment seeks to properly recognize and give thanks for God’s fingerprints and grace – without demands for full explanation.
Alternate Phrasing
Given the cautions around use of “God thing,” here are some potential alternate ways to speak about events that may reflect God’s providence:
- “This seems like a gracious gift from God.”
- “There is evidence here of God’s merciful orchestration.”
- “This appears providential from the Lord.”
- “I see glimpses of God’s grace in this situation.”
- “This outcome aligns with biblical principles in helpful ways.”
Phrasing along these lines retains awe, gratitude, and honour for God’s sovereignty while avoiding some of the presumption inherent in labeling something a “God thing” outright.
Practical Application
When evaluating whether to describe events as “God things,” Christians would do well to reflect on these questions:
- Have I bathed this situation in prayer and sought godly counsel?
- Could my own desires or assumptions be coloring my interpretation?
- Is there tangible fruit/outcome that points to God’s hand?
- Am I speaking about God’s involvement with humility?
- Is God glorified by my labeling this a “God thing”?
Asking these questions can help guide wise discernment and articulate gratitude for God’s providence without unnecessary presumption or superficiality.
Conclusion
Based on key biblical principles around God’s sovereignty, human responsibility, caution against presumption, truthful speaking about God, and the role of discernment, Christians should carefully evaluate use of the term “God thing.” While God is at work in all circumstances for our good and His glory, appropriate humility and perspective is needed when labeling particular events as “God things.” With wisdom and thoughtfulness, we can acknowledge God’s gracious providence at work in the world while retaining suitable awe and mystery about His infinite purposes and ways that remain past finding out (Romans 11:33).