January 3, 2015

"Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is." Ephesians 5:15-17

In his letter to the Church at Ephesus, Paul is giving these Christ-followers correction and instructions on how they should live and believe. As he begins to conclude his letter he knows he has asked them to make some very hard choices and radical changes so he gives them a starting point, one practical thing they could do. From this point on, based on what they have learned he counsels them to begin making wise decisions.

When you distill these three verses down to one clarifying question you get something like this:

WHAT IS THE WISE THING FOR ME TO DO?

Would not that be a careful thing to do every time you were confronted by a decision? 

In fact, I know it may be painful for you, but pause to reflect on a regret that haunts you and imagine how different your life might be today if you had asked that question before making your decision.

Are you beginning to see the value of this question? 

Would your life better or worse from now on if at every impulse, every invite or every opportunity you would stop to ask this question and then act on it?

Should you begin carefully and prayerfully asking that question today do you think you would have fewer heartaches and regrets in your future?

If you committed to asking that question to help you make wise decisions, don't you think you would develop into a more Christ-like Christian?

What if you began asking that question in regard to financial decisions? Do you think you would see your financial situation improve?

Do you think you would begin developing healthier relationships if you began asking that question and acting on it?

If you really have your best interest at heart, wouldn't you begin asking that question?

If you know asking that question would make your life better but you chose not to ask it or act on it, what would that say about you?

Over the next six Sundays at FredWes I am going to challenge your decision-making and apply it to key areas of your life.

Do you care enough to come and listen?