Under Advisement

Life for the most part, really isn't that hard. It has it challenges, for sure. And there are difficult places at which, people find themselves, but by and large, life isn't that complicated. The hardship comes, from one's attitude, the ability to maintain disciplines, and their emotional and mental level of stability.

Life also seems hard for another reason.

In the movie, Clear & Present Danger, Harrison Ford finds himself in the position of Acting Director of Intelligence for the CIA (or maybe it's Deputy Director...can't remember now). The President has declared an unofficial war on the Mexican drug cartel, so there are covert special ops in play and Harrison Ford has been left out of the loop. Meanwhile, a co-worker "in" on the knowledge of the mission has a "get out of jail free" card; a letter from the National Security Advisor authorizing the mission. Why lay all this background?

Because towards the end, Ford's character finds out about the operation. As he finds out who's involved and they discuss the matter, Ritter (who has the letter) tells Ford's character Jack Ryan that his problem is he sees the world in black and white. Ryan responds, that it's not black and white, but rather right and wrong. As Ryan walks away back towards his office, Ritter speaks out... "the world is gray, Jack".

And sadly, this is what makes life hard. Figuring things out has become like sorting through 50 shades of gray. (intent of pun not yet determined). Faced with a decision of unsettling information that came to my attention yesterday morning, I too, had to reach out to a friend. Two possible ways of handing the situation came to mind (technically 3, if you count the choice of "do nothing") and I wasn't sure which was best. I had to seek out counsel; and not just any piece of advice. Everyone has a piece of advice (or a piece of their mind) that they could offer... it doesn't mean that it's good, right, sound or wise to follow through on it though.

So, I had to take what I heard under advisement. Correspondingly now, having made a decision regarding the matter, someone else will have to take that information, under advisement and make a decision. The bigger situations and institutions and operations become; the smaller they need to focus. Insurmountable odds are overcome by "divide & conquer". Break items down to where they are manageable, complete it; perfect it; move on to what's next. Complexity doesn't have to be as hard as we make; you just have to know how to handle it. And where to go when you need help doing so.

Pray, this #deaconThursday, for churches and leaders facing insurmountable odds. Pray for decisions and difficulties that seem challenging and overwhelming; perhaps being to much to handle. Pray for a spirit of wisdom and discernment on how matters should be approached and handled. May their be an insight and a peace to conversations that transpire and the words and attitudes that are expressed; that they would be seasoned with the grace and love of Christ, even in moments of correction and rebuke. Pray for revelation knowledge and wisdom into the hearts and minds of pastors and advisors as they manage the affairs of the church and resolve problems; may they not back down from places of difficulty and challenging decisions. May their faith arise as they place their confidence in God; who gives wisdom generously to those who ask of Him.

Discernment of the Spirit.
Sound decisions.
Strength and stability, for the glory of God.

- PNC

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