The Blessing of Surrender...
Dear Friend,
If it’s a choice between right and wrong, we generally sit on the side of right. Those decisions are often called “resisting temptation.” And where the Bible speaks clearly on moral issues, our choice is simply whether we will obey God or not. Often, however, there are practical, not ethical, issues at stake, and we require wisdom to proceed. If we don’t have enough facts to make an informed decision, we need to put pride aside and seek counsel. Here’s a simple formula I’ve found successful, when I pause to put it into practice that is.
Turn to God in prayer.
Often He will remind me of key facts or help me discern the real issues. And often what seems to be a straightforward decision is actually a choice between selfishness and unselfishness. OUCH or Amen!
Maintain humility.
Seek advice from wise and knowledgeable mentor. Sometimes, because she (or he) is not as embroiled in the situation as I am, she (or he) can see things more clearly.
This is like four legs on a chair. If I get lackadaisical when making a decision, often things come crashing down on me or around me. Yet key is consistency. And that I’m still working on. Here’s a prime example. I had opportunity this past Friday to sit with someone I truly respect and share a concern about our profession that on the outside looked pretty straight forward. In humility I sought guidance because I couldn’t shake the uneasiness I was feeling. He graciously guided me through to a resolve. The result was favorable for me and a clearer understanding of boundaries for the other professionals involved.
You guide one with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Psalm 73:24 NIV
I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion. The fear of the LORD is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate. I have counsel and sound wisdom, I have insight; I have strength. By me kings reign, and rulers decree what is just. Proverbs 8:12-15 ESV
Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers. Psalm 1:1 NIV
Scripture is full of instructions for the practical things in life as well as the eternal. Read it often, pray for guidance, consult with other believers, and all the while remain humble.
May we be encouraged to make good decisions. Allow God to guide us in and through our decision making regardless of whether it leads us into storms or through storms. The alternative, be our own storm chasers. Then when we meet tell me, “How’s that working for you?”
Called to serve and encouraging others to thrive,
DEA: Embracing a Work-Hard, Rest-Well Life and Loving My Priorities, Loving My Life
