2012 is over and the world didn't end in December, so I'd say we are off to a fresh start! I heard a great pre-2013 sermon preached by Pastor Daniel (taken from the book, "The Best Question Ever" by Andy Stanley) that would serve many to use as a guide for not only this year, but for life. I titled my notes, "Don't Be Stupid." That pretty much sums it up, but I'll hit the highlights below if you're interested in reading them.
"We don't plan to mess up our life. The problem is that we don't plan NOT to."
Its human nature to see how much we can get away with and still be acceptable, or even good. We want to see how close we can get to the line of sin without stepping over the line. The problem is that we draw the line so close that we leave no margin for error. "Is this wrong?" is the wrong question.
Ephesians 5:15-17
New International Version (NIV)
15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.
"Is this a wise thing for me to do?" is the best question ever! We need to anticipate trouble and not walk blindly into it.
1 Peter 5:8
New International Version (NIV)
8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
There might not be anything wrong with what we are about to do, but it may not be wise.
3 questions to help you make right decisions:
1. In light of my past experience, what is the wise thing for me to do? it's the unwise decisions that require creative justification. We are masters at the art of self acception (and exception). We know what we want and make all kinds of excuses as to why we should have it and why it's ok. We tend to make the same mistakes over and over. Your past should be a grid to evaluate every decision.
2. In light of my current circumstances what is the wise thing for me to do? When our emotions are raging we are vulnerable. Decision today determines direction of your life tomorrow. Where are you headed?
3. In light of my future hopes and dreams (for myself and my children) is this a wise thing for me to do? How will this decision help get me there? How will this decision help me help my children to get there?
We cannot walk toward something without walking away from something else. We are either walking toward wisdom or foolishness. If you are happy with your life, then keep going. If not, stop and rethink how you make your decisions.
Proverbs 28:26
New International Version (NIV)
26 Those who trust in themselves are fools,
but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.
Sin can be a gradual slippery slope. People who are falling into sin are usually drifting away from wise counsel (usually church, if they are attending). They won't ask for help because they fear appearing to be weak. But really, it's the wise that ask the questions.
Proverbs 13:20
New International Version (NIV)
20 Walk with the wise and become wise,
for a companion of fools suffers harm.
I'll leave you with a question: "Is it possible to live a life with few regrets?"
You can listen to this sermon at www.mccag.org
"We don't plan to mess up our life. The problem is that we don't plan NOT to."
Its human nature to see how much we can get away with and still be acceptable, or even good. We want to see how close we can get to the line of sin without stepping over the line. The problem is that we draw the line so close that we leave no margin for error. "Is this wrong?" is the wrong question.
Ephesians 5:15-17
New International Version (NIV)
15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.
"Is this a wise thing for me to do?" is the best question ever! We need to anticipate trouble and not walk blindly into it.
1 Peter 5:8
New International Version (NIV)
8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
There might not be anything wrong with what we are about to do, but it may not be wise.
3 questions to help you make right decisions:
1. In light of my past experience, what is the wise thing for me to do? it's the unwise decisions that require creative justification. We are masters at the art of self acception (and exception). We know what we want and make all kinds of excuses as to why we should have it and why it's ok. We tend to make the same mistakes over and over. Your past should be a grid to evaluate every decision.
2. In light of my current circumstances what is the wise thing for me to do? When our emotions are raging we are vulnerable. Decision today determines direction of your life tomorrow. Where are you headed?
3. In light of my future hopes and dreams (for myself and my children) is this a wise thing for me to do? How will this decision help get me there? How will this decision help me help my children to get there?
We cannot walk toward something without walking away from something else. We are either walking toward wisdom or foolishness. If you are happy with your life, then keep going. If not, stop and rethink how you make your decisions.
Proverbs 28:26
New International Version (NIV)
26 Those who trust in themselves are fools,
but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.
Sin can be a gradual slippery slope. People who are falling into sin are usually drifting away from wise counsel (usually church, if they are attending). They won't ask for help because they fear appearing to be weak. But really, it's the wise that ask the questions.
Proverbs 13:20
New International Version (NIV)
20 Walk with the wise and become wise,
for a companion of fools suffers harm.
I'll leave you with a question: "Is it possible to live a life with few regrets?"
You can listen to this sermon at www.mccag.org