God is the Doer, We Are Just an Instrument (with Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s inspiration)
There’s a sentence that sounds simple, but can quietly change the way we live:
“God is the doer; we are just an instrument.”
It may begin as a devotional line we say in prayer, but when we genuinely try to live it, it becomes a powerful mindset—one that reduces ego, increases peace, and makes our actions cleaner.
And if there’s one life that beautifully demonstrated this spirit, it was Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
What does it really mean?
It doesn’t mean we do nothing.
It means we do our best, with sincerity and effort, but we remember that the final outcome is not fully in our control. Our job is right action. The rest is divine arrangement.
Think of a flute. The flute doesn’t take credit for the music. It simply stays hollow, clean, and ready. When the breath flows through it, music happens.
In the same way, when we align ourselves—through values, discipline, and prayer—we become a channel through which good work can happen.
Pramukh Swami Maharaj: a living example of being an “instrument”
When people look at the scale of service, culture, and spiritual upliftment associated with Pramukh Swami Maharaj, it’s easy to label it as “his achievement.” Yet, the most striking quality devotees often speak about is his deep humility—the sense that everything is Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s work, and the role of a saint is simply to serve as a medium.
Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s life reminded countless people of a simple truth:
Do the work wholeheartedly, but keep the credit at God’s feet.
That attitude is what turns ordinary action into seva.
Why this thought is needed today
Modern life pushes us toward constant ownership:
- “I achieved it.”
- “I failed.”
- “I must prove myself.”
- “People must recognize me.”
This creates pressure and ego at the same time. Success makes us arrogant. Failure makes us bitter.
But the instrument mindset brings balance:
- In success: gratitude replaces pride
- In failure: learning replaces self-hate
- In uncertainty: faith replaces anxiety
The hidden ego in “I am doing”
Sometimes, even good deeds can inflate the ego.
We help someone—and then we expect appreciation.
We do a project—and then we want credit.
We serve—and then we want recognition.
The moment our identity gets attached to the action, inner peace starts leaking.
Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s simplicity teaches the opposite: serve in a way where your heart stays light—because you’re offering the work, not selling it.
Instrument doesn’t mean irresponsible
This is important: being an instrument is not an excuse.
It is not:
- “God will do it, so I won’t plan.”
- “If it failed, it’s God’s will, so I won’t improve.”
- “I can do anything and blame destiny.”
Real instrument living looks like this:
- I will give my 100%
- I will do it honestly
- I will stay humble
- I will accept the result gracefully
- I will keep improving
This is actually a higher level of responsibility—because you act with sincerity, not ego.
How this mindset improves daily life
At work:
You stay focused on quality, not politics. You stop chasing applause. You build quietly and steadily.
In relationships:
You stop trying to “win.” You start trying to understand. You let love guide you more than ego.
In service (seva):
You serve without expectation. You remain joyful even if nobody notices—like Pramukh Swami Maharaj, whose compassion and attention extended to everyone, without needing credit.
In tough times:
You don’t collapse thinking “Why me?”
You breathe and say, “Let me do my part. God will handle what I cannot.”
A simple daily practice
If you want to live this thought, try this:
Before starting any task:
“Lord, please make me an instrument. Let this be done in the right way.”
After finishing:
“Thank you. Whatever the result is, I accept it and I will keep improving.”
Over time, this habit subtly shifts the center from “me” to “He.”
Final thought
When we see ourselves as the doer, we become tense and proud.
When we see ourselves as an instrument, we become calm and useful.
Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s life quietly teaches: do a lot, but carry no ego; serve deeply, but remain simple.
The goal is not to shrink—it’s to become clear.
Not to escape work—but to work with peace.
Because when we become a better instrument, better music naturally flows.
In prayer, we can offer this understanding at the lotus feet of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and seek the blessings of Pramukh Swami Maharaj and Mahant Swami Maharaj to keep our hearts humble and pure. May we always remember that whatever good happens is by God’s grace, and our role is only to remain a sincere instrument—working honestly, serving quietly, and offering every effort as seva. With Maharaj, Swami, and Sant as our strength, may our thoughts, words, and actions stay aligned with dharma, and may our ego melt into gratitude, so that God’s will is fulfilled through us. Jay Swaminarayan. 🙏
