Reasons For Why Not...

We all have our reasons for why we do things. What's more; we all have our reasons for not doing things. Oddly enough, the reasons for "why not" are easily justified in our eyes and received by others with a disbelieving nod-of-the-head.

If we're honest with ourselves, we know the truth in that statement, because we've justified our own reasons for why don't do things, yet heard others' explain their reasons and responded with disbelief. "Seriously? That's all you got?"

I pondered this, actually, as I awaited (and continue to wait) someone's reply. And typical me; my mind plays scenarios out; trying to think ahead what is to come; like scanning the chess board 5-8 moves in advance. While God sees our lives with such vision and perspective, humanity, albeit made in His image, does not see so well. Our finite minds see what's in front of us.

This is reasonable. This is responsible. This I can handle. This I can do.

Those things; no... not so much. Won't do that. Won't go there. Won't discuss as such.

Justified in our eyes. Somewhat ridiculous to others.
The painful truth of the matter... the reasons we give to God.

What He calls for us. What He asks of us. What He commands us. Where and when He directs us.
Our reasons, justified in our finite minds. Our reasons, pretty ridiculous in His infinite wisdom.

I didn't realize this was going to happen as I pondered the aforementioned perspective yesterday afternoon, but last night for our Wednesday prayer service, we watched a message preached by Jim Cymbala, of Brooklyn Tabernacle on hearing the voice of God. He spoke of King Amaziah, from I Chronicles 7. The incredible transformation that took place in the King's life, when hee listened to God and witnessed the miraculous... and the removal of God's blessing when he stopped listening. Failing to heed the warnings, he pushed his own way with a "why not" mentality. And it cost Amaziah... everything.

It happens in ministry as well. And for personalities, big and small within the church-world. For all the things that are tried and planned; thought-out and implemented in church operations... it means little, if leadership is not focused on seeking the face of God and waiting to hear instructions from Heaven; both what has already been given through the Word of God and what is being given specifically to pastors and church leaders. The tragic stories of what transpires when pastors and leaders step out and step off of what God has or had planned for them... well, one is one too many.

So, pray this #deaconThursday, for wisdom as they counsel, support and play vital roles in the input and direction of church operations, ministry and pastoral accountability. Pray for pastors and leaders alike, that they would not find themselves in places where they have stopped listening; to the voice of God, to the prompting of the Holy Spirit, to men and women of God speaking into their lives. May there be and remain a sensitive spirit towards the things of God; towards the moving of the Spirit of God and toward the voice of God and His Word. May their be a caution to walk circumspect before the Lord; aware of our place in light of His plan. Pray that modern day church leadership would take the posture of Paul; whose boast was in the Lord and everything he was, had and accomplished was as filthy rags before God. May pride and ego be kept in check; as Christ Himself did not consider equality with God something to be grasped; but humbled Himself before the Father.

Justified only by faith;
And that not of ourselves.
It is the gift of God.
For His glory.

- PNC

---