Are believers confusing conscience and reasoning with answers from God?

It would seem that way, would it not?

But, I can tell a big difference between God's work in my life than my own conscience at work. More than once, I've seen a situation where after praying about it, I have a nagging in my spirit From a logical standpoint, what I would do makes perfectly good sense, but I still have this nagging inside of me. That's when I can tell it's more than just my conscience. Because that path by merely following logic or conscience would go in one direction. However, I start to realize that there is a erason not to do this. It's what we Christians call a "restless spirit" and then I turn and say, Okay God, I'll trust you in this situation. I then go in a different direction. At first it does not make sense, but later on it makes perfect sense when I go back and revisit that situation at a later time. In retrospect, there have been far too few times that I have done this and it has cost me dearly on some decisions, because I went with what conscience or logic dictated instead of listening to the still inner voice that comes from a relationship with Jesus Christ.

As a Christian in America, I see our instantaneous society. We Americans are a culture where we want things resolved now and we don't wish to wait. If we don't get an answer right at the time we want, we feel that God is not listening to us. But, look at other cultures around us. Eastern Cultures look at society in terms of the greater good for others. We in America are more likely to look at what is best for our own immediate needs. I think that God sees it more on the long term; what will make the most sense on a macro rather than a micro scale.

That's why, when things get difficult in my life, I am learning to say, Lord, i want your perfect will. It may not make sense in the immidiate, but I have found time after time, when I ignore that nagging and follow what my logic or conscience dictates, the decision has been wrong. Possibly right in the short term, but not in the long term.

That's why, as I grow older and learn to walk with God, I am learning to trust in him more.

It's not a case of "God which cereal shall I choose" but praying as I go on in my daily life. Praying for wisdom and guidance as I talk, move, and do what I need to do. I ask God to show me the application using Psalms 119:105, "Thy lamp is a light unto my feet and a light unto my path." Using his steps, he guides me.

I realize that what I'm sharing may not make sense to nonbelievers, but I've learned through 45 years of going on my own impulses, why I need to allow God to direct my paths. Why? Because far too often, I've made decisions I thought was best, instead of allowing God to guide me. In each major situation, where I've made a bad decision, it has been when I did not follow the path directed by God and used merely my own logic or conscience to guide me.

Bonsai Bobby gave you a very good answer. Can I share one anecdote (I know, i know, it's not proof) of when I believe God was directing me rather than my own reasoning?

I was having some health issues that were endocrine-related. The specialist offered me a medicine to alleviate some symptoms. But he asked if I planned on having more children; at 37, with one healthy child out of 3 pregnancies, I had decided "never again." He said if I became pregnant with a boy while taking the medicine, it would have "tragic results" for the baby because of the effect on male hormones. I thought, "Well, why not? I'm not getting pregnant again."

Suddenly this feeling came over me--so strong it was physical--that was very clearly saying NO! I could not bring myself to take the medicine, but had no idea why. Just felt God was telling me not to.

Three months later I conceived my son. If I had gone by my own best use of logic and reason, that medicine would have already been in my system for quite a while when he was conceived.

Make of that what you will.

I have a tendency to go off on tangents, so I'll try to keep this as short and sweet as possible ;) I don't think God damns you to hell just for being a non-believer and I'll tell you why. In the Bible, it even says that the House of God has many "roofs". Ergo, the word of God comes in many acceptable forms, and not stricly Christianity or any other specific religion. And besides, whatever religion you practice and whatever your holy book or rede, even if it is the word of God, it was written by the hands of men. All religion is flawed because we ourselves are flawed. So that's my opinion (and really, opinions are what it always comes down to) and many will disagree, just as others will agree. Also, keep in mind that different people understand scriptures in differing ways. How I interpret things will obviously differ with others. But this is why we have so many people analyzing these texts, even in this day and age :) I hope I've answered your question, but just in case I went overboard with my personal opinions, I'll state it simply: Whoever truly desires forgiveness will be given it. That doesn't mean you won't have a price to pay, but in matters of damnation, I don't personally feel it has so much to do with your religion, as it does with who you are as a person. Hope that helps!

Christians,as all others on the planet,have the ability to reason,judge and act,of our own cognition...

As you stated,we have an innate ability to reason and similiarly enjoy common emotions and a sense of conscience....

God simply asks that we lay down our own human inspired interpretations and world view,in deference to His revealed Word and to begin a renewing or reprogramming of our minds....

We have free will and common sense and are to work out our own salvation(sanctification),in light of the revelation that we have been given,by grace....Prayer, in this context,is simply asking for guidance in situations that are confusing grey areas,in which we are seeking God's perfect will..

Kinda of a crappy answer...but I really do know what I'm trying to say....LOL....

If I didnt have some psychic ability, and if I hadnt seen my spirit guide when I was 12, then I probably would have a hard time understanding God and the way things work. no one has all the answers. only God. But even with all the proof of ghosts, and miracles, skeptics always try and debunk everything that has to do with it.

No when God give,s you an answer you will know it,s from God,,If I start to do something and there is

something telling me not to do it,,,I have found out

that if you go ahead and do it,,it will trun out all

wrong, so I listen and i obey and I do very good,

Please don't be sad for me because I'm doing just fine, thank you.

I feel sad for people who do not know who God is, but lets have hope for each other and be positive about every ones free choice in life to be as they wish to be.

Our kind of reasoning is limited but when we are connected with God daily and in His atmosphere working with the Holy Spirit God's kind of reasoning kicks in. Isa 1: 18 says "Come reason with me...

All throughout the written word we see passage after passage of God trying to talk to people,wanting to help them,delivering them and when they listened and obeyed they found answers and victories galore.

Read proverbs, look at the psalms.re-read the ...beatitudes...

the reasoning is spectacular.

When God's people are connected deeply to him and have a deep understanding of his word...you would be amazed at the soundness of mind many have...

You know, I've seen people who actually ask God what they should do in each and every decision and event they encounter in their daily lives, and as a believer myself, I find it embarrassing. I mean, they believe in God and that He created us with this magnificent thing called a brain and with the attendant desire that we should not forego its use, and then ask Him if they should buy "Coco Puffs" or "Cheerios" for their children.

I simply refuse to believe that our every decision, thought, reaction, and behaviours are meant to be carried out only after praying for several hours to God. I think He actually wants people to utilize a side-effect of engaged and informed thinking processes - common sense.

Well, if the God that's answering them is really their own "conscience" or their logic and reason, then I guess they're handing themselves over to themselves. In fact, this is what I believe is going on. None of the sane people who claim to believe in God actually believe in God.

Actually, it's their grasp of logic and reason that is lacking. Their "god" is really of no consequence.