Transformational Thought
Because I teach people to make decisions based on information, not emotions, I cringe when I hear parents, politicians, ministries, or pastors using guilt to “motivate” others. “If you loved me, you would do your chores.” “I worked long and hard on this meal, so you better eat it.” “We’ll have to cancel the event … unless you volunteer in the nursery to help us.” “Look at these starving kids in Africa and all the food you throw away. Please send money.” “See the pain Jesus went through for you? You should feel terrible; now accept Him as your Savior.”
Guilt can be an strong motivator, but guilt is used by those too lazy to properly motivate by communicating the need, goal, benefits and consequences of a given situation, then waiting to see who God speaks to. So motivating using guilt trips is not healthy. I am all for pointing out injustices and needs so people can step into their roles to help in these situations or make good decisions. But the issue I am trying to separate through these examples is this: we shouldn’t use guilt to motivate people.
Several subliminal, distorted, and false messages can unwontedly occur when people act out of guilt. Here are four examples: 1. I am responsible for and can control someone else’s feelings through what I do. 2. The other person won’t feel better unless I act the way he wants. 3. When you want a friend to do something for you, it is OK to lay a guilt trip on them. 4. Decisions should be based on self-needs and emotions, not God’s truth, facts, and reasoning (This is probably the worst message of all). Unfortunately, these distorted messages subtly seep into our everyday functioning, and dramatically interfere with Godly decision-making.
Many pastors and priests try to whip their congregations into Christian action by delivering guilt-inducing sermons. Whether it’s pressuring someone to say the sinner’s prayer, to give money, to volunteer, or to stop a certain behavior, the end does not justify the means. I have personally experienced these guilt-evoking messages. Unfortunately, they undermine the very foundation of grace and love. They also keep you from developing the Mind of Christ, which God wants to instill in each believer’s heart.
Today, take notice if you are feeling guilty about something, or if you are inducing guilt in someone else. Stop and examine why guilt is present. Guilt is important if you have done something wrong. Allow guilt warn you that a problem exists. But don’t let it be your decision-maker. Let reason and the Bible direct your heart and actions. Confess, repent, apologize, and ask for forgiveness. You are responsible for your feelings and happiness; the other person is responsible for his own. Above all else, be mindful that God does not measure and judge you by the amount of good works you do. Rather He looks into your heart. Whether you allow God and His truths guide and motivate your decisions or you let guilt and feelings guide and motivate you is your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I do not want to be stressed out about not “doing enough” as good Christian. I know that You want me to relax in the assurance of Your perfect love. Today, help me remember that You delight in me more than I can ever imagine, that You see me cloaked in Your light and presence … and that there is no condemnation for those cloaked in You. Help me daily, Lord, to come closer to having the Mind of Christ. Help me make decisions based on Your word, not my feelings. Help me feel convicted and guilty about my wrongs, and then look to You for forgiveness, and to Your word for guidance in doing right. I pray in the name of the One who knew no guilt ‘til He bore all mine, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest. Isaiah 61:10
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. Romans 8:1-2