Do We Make Our Lives Difficult?
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
James 1:5
How often do we make quick choices based strictly on our fleshly desires without looking at the long-term consequences? Seeking Godly wisdom through prayer brings Godly results as opposed to making quick decisions based on our desires. The Spirit will seek to stop us from fulfilling our fleshly desire if the outcome will be displeasing to God.
When we speak directly from our emotions, we speak words without thinking, often words we wish we could take back. My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, (James 1:19). Anger is an emotion that can drive us to speak without thinking. In the heat of an argument we may say things and do things that can cause harm to our lives and to others. There is no substitute for taking the time to think about what we are about to say.
Patience in making choices regarding words and actions is essential for making Godly, wise choices. For, Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech (1 Peter 3:10). Having patience and thoughtfulness when choosing words and actions will lead us to see good days. What we say and do defines our relationships, so it’s critical to control our words and actions.
Through patience we can think and pray for Godly wisdom in our conversations and use words to uplift and encourage people. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing (1 Thessalonians 5:12). Having the desire to listen, encourage, and build others up will help our words to follow the intentions of our hearts. But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart (Matthew 15:18). Keep your heart close to the Lord by keeping your thoughts on God. When thoughts are set on things above, then living in accordance with things above will follow. Words, actions, and attitudes follow thoughts, and emotions come on the heel of all three.
When wrestling with difficult decisions that will surely affect our lives, it is helpful to pray and seek Godly help. Many times I have gone to my Christian brothers for advice. As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another (Proverbs 27:7). Prayer and seeking advice from our Christian friends is invaluable in helping to make difficult decisions.
Today be aware that your words and actions can have a long and lasting impact on others. Although we cannot be perfect with our words and actions, we can always do better by taking time to think and pray for Godly wisdom. The Lord is always there to guide us in his wisdom and love, and all we have to do is ask him.
Prayer: Lord, please guide me in my thoughts, words, and actions today so that I do nothing to cause problems. There is enough trouble in the world and I don’t need to make life more difficult by my words and actions. Help me to walk in your wisdom with peace and joy. In Jesus name, Amen