Reading: Romans 8:
13
“For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but
if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.”
How often have we pursued a goal to its end with the
realization that if we could only have seen ahead where it would end up we
would never have become involved?
From trying out a seemingly simple recipe to a multi-layered
project we may only recognize the wasted time in hindsight. A few hours we can
shrug off with laughter or a sigh, but a long pursuit that encompassed all our
time and energy that ends in emptiness lingers. It can create despair or
emptiness or sorrow or a hardened heart. We close ourselves off and choose not
to risk any more.
Even the ones that are considered a success to others. A
good effort—a good outreach—a good investment. And yet personally, a misuse of
ourselves. Maybe because we followed someone else’s vision without
clarification. We sometimes don’t discern a call between encouragement and
involvement.
Following good pursuits without discretion can create as
much barrenness as following wrong activities. And we can become resistant or
reluctant to respond when the Spirit nudges us to a new challenge or
opportunity.
Then our human failures can barricade us from living in the
Spirit’s promises and opportunities.
So we need to ask ourselves—whose voice have we become attuned to?
Lord, please guide all our steps with the discernment to recognize
waste and embrace Your foresight in all our pursuits. Daily and long-term.
Psalm of Worship: Proverbs 8:12
“I, wisdom, live with prudence, and I attain knowledge and
discretion.”
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