Why and Why Not
Posted on November 24, 2017 by Graeme Wilson in Freedom Fighters
“My son, do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commands; For length of days and long life and peace they will add to you.” — Proverbs 3:1-2
How do you process a decision? When contemplating your next move, what filter do you use?
Recently I was in a discussion with a guy who was having a hard time figuring out why he got reprimanded at work. He said although I wasn’t where I was supposed to be, I was doing a good thing, why did I get in trouble? This can be an eye opening experience, especially when the guy in question is a new believer, has lived a selfish life, and is trying to change his ways; “after all, aren’t we supposed to be others centered”, he asked. My response, “Not on my time.”
Sounds harsh right? The importance of knowing the answer to the question of “Why and Why Not” can make the difference between a right and wrong action. There was a time when I was in the Colony and a brother was late for work and held up the whole department, when asked why he was late he said “God told me to go to the Chapel and pray first,” in which our supervisor rebuked him with a “No He didn’t.” This lead to a lengthy explanation as to the difference between self vs Spirit. The opening statement that lead into the lesson was “Although it was a noble task, it was still you doing what you wanted to do.”
As we sat and listened, the concept of knowing the answer to “Why and Why Not” became clearer. It was pointed out that one of the reasons it’s so important to know and memorize God’s word, the way to sort through and make Godly decisions was directly related to understanding His precepts and statutes. “Make me understand the way of Your precepts, So shall I meditate on Your wonderful works” is just one of over twenty times it’s mentioned in Psalm 119. When the question as to whether I go or stay crosses my mind the idea of “walking in the Spirit” is so important, this allows me to deny the works of the flesh. There are so many time I can justify my actions but when it contradicts God’s word the decision to yield becomes easier. A few verses down in Proverbs 3 reminds me,
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.”
So the next time a decision comes along, ask yourself, is it my will or His that will determine my next step?
Written by Rob Russomano: Rob Russomano is married to Terri, he is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and a full time staff member. He is also available as a speaker of the grace of God with a message of Hope for church events. You can contact him at rrussomano@americaskeswick.org.
The Daily Bible Reading: Zechariah 8-14| You can download our 2017 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here
Daily Quote: There is one source of power that is stronger than every disappointment, bitterness or ingrained mistrust, and that power is Jesus Christ, who brought forgiveness and reconciliation to the world.
~Karol Józef Wojtyła
This Week’s Verse to Memorize:
“When the honest, sincere Christian is faced with the decision regarding whether a thing is right or wrong, he should ask, does it agree with all that the Scripture has to say on the subject?” – Curtis Hutson
Want to get away & have dedicated time to read & learn God’s Word?
Consider a retreat at America’s Keswick retreat center.
