Question: So how do you respond in a private conversation when a friend says, "God told me to do thus and such," or "I felt led by the Spirit to do thus and such"? (Chapter 15)

Answer: Such statements can put me in an awkward situation. It's not my job to be continually "correcting" everyone else's theology. So if the thing my friend feels led to do appears harmless or is really wisdom in disguise, I usually don't say anything about their leading. If, on the other hand, the perceived guidance appears foolish, I might raise questions to provoke reconsideration of the plan and a better understanding of how God guides.

I do think we need to use our terminology carefully. The traditional view has inadvertently invented a new category of revelation and authority. Special guidance, if it occurs, is supernatural revelation and has authority over the believer. The moral will of God is likewise supernatural revelation and we must obey it. The moral will of God includes the command to be wise. But inner impressions are not supernatural revelation, nor are they authoritative. They may be insightful and valuable, but they do not rise to the level of divine authority.

So it is inappropriate to apply the vocabulary of revelation (whether scriptural guidance or special guidance) to inner impressions. The use of phrases such as "from the Holy Spirit," "God told me," "God showed/revealed to me," "impression from the Spirit," and "I must obey God" is (unintentionally) misleading. This is not just a matter of imprecision. It causes confusion in the minds of believers and creates the expectation that all Christians should be receiving these messages.

So when someone says, "God told me in my heart," if it seems appropriate, I will ask him precisely what he means. "Did you receive supernatural revelation? Do you mean that you are applying God's moral will to your situation?" If he means neither of these, he is assuming a third category that is self-contradictory. "Authoritative non-revelation" is an oxymoron.

Impressions can be very useful-a point I develop at length in the following chapter ("Making a Good Thing Better"). They often reflect godly and wise ideas and motivations. But their valuable character can be tapped only when they are recognized as not being revelation and not having authority. Once this is understood, we are free to test impressions by legitimate authority and ask, "Is the impression moral and is it wise?" These questions show there is an authority over impressions that can help us discern which ones are most valuable for best serving God.