The Problem With “If It Were Me” Thinking

I can't tell you how many "girl talk" conversations I’ve had where we have vented over frustrations on things wished that a boyfriend, fiancé or husband did in a way we would “if it were them”.

It can be frustrating to communicate how you would like things done, or to want things done the way that you ultimately would. The key is to not let the “If it were me” keep you from seeing things in another way or being so adamant in how you think things should be that you are unable to appreciate or understand another way can work too.

The story of Peter rebuking Jesus from going to the cross in Matthew 16 was such an eye opening reminder for me to realize sometimes how I would like things done may actually go against how it should be. Imagine if Peter successfully kept Jesus from going to the

cross as he tried to in Matthew 6:22. While he meant well, his “If I were you” almost prevented us from receiving salvation and fulfilling Gods will. Jesus rebuked Peter in verse 23, calling Perter a stumbling block that doesn’t have in mind the concern of God.

This was a powerful reminder that while we have “If it were me” desires, even the desires that we think are best may go against Gods will.

Before assuming that your way is the best way, avoid being a Peter by praying to discern and not be a “stumbling block” in even what you have the best intentions in.

Pray for God to speak to understand another way and when to trust that you are right in your thinking. Pray that he speaks the best way to articulate, and trust him when he speaks to let go of your idea of the best way to do something.