Welcome to Day 2 of 21 Days of Prayer! Choose Wisely
As we move into 2020, we are facing uncertainty in the economy, concern about foreign policy and our public safety, and daily pressure to yield to cultural notions of rejecting Godly values. It's a backdrop that does not favor faith in God or Christian ethics and yet, solutions to our family and social problems are still founded on Christian principles of righteousness, peace and joy (supplied by the Holy Spirit ~ Roman's 14:17). How does one hold fast in a generation of rampant doubt and unbelief?
You must choose wisely. If not, your unwise choice leaves you with unwise results. Consequences, that will lead to regrets that keep saying, "hindsight is 2020". Definitely NOT the kind of 2020 we want! No one wants to become a prisoner of a year (or a life) filled with regret.
In February 2008, James Fantroy was convicted of stealing over $20,000 of government grants while he served as a City Council member in Dallas, Texas. The U.S. District Judge tried to show leniency because Fantroy had kidney cancer and was in a wheelchair. He was given a choice. The Judge told him he could choose between serving a month in prison or publicly apologizing for his actions. Surprisingly, Fantroy chose to serve a prison sentence rather than apologize.
Whether it was pride, resentment or some odd notion of being justified in what he did, Fantroy's choice didn't level the so-called "playing field" nor did he get even with those he thought to have wronged him. Whatever statement he was trying to make, the reality, is that he chose unwisely ~ first, to break the law and secondly, to make himself a prisoner to those unwise choices. Remember, he was a city council member, which means his role was to be a leader and an example of honor and good will to his community.
Aaron Walker, a business coach and author of View From The Top, says, "It takes an honorable man to admit a mistake, and it takes a lot of courage to reverse course after making a poor choice."
When you choose wisely, you set yourself and those who look up to you, free. Your wise choices impacts your community because you are a meaningful example of hope and confidence. Obviously, choosing wisely is not always easy. Often, it will not be popular. But the results are well worth the sacrifice.
The fight is internal and external. That is, if it's not pride of our own making, it's the pride of being culturally acceptable; and neither is wise and both reasons end in disgrace. Proverbs 11:2 is a good verse to memorize ~ "When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom." This year, choose wisdom. Choose wisely.
Father, in the name of Jesus, this new year brings so many new decisions. And I'm expected to make wise choices every single day. I need Your help. I need Your wisdom and guidance. When I can't see or perceive the consequences of an unwise choice, grant me the humility to reconsider and intentionally include Your perspective. Deliver me from regret and the disgrace of unwise decisions. This year, I ask You for the courage to reject cultural pressure and to choose righteousness, peace and the joy that flows from the Holy Spirit. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen!
Inspiring Hope and Seasoning Faith, Pastor Sean
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