Spiritual Shortsightedness. (Genesis/ B'resheet25: 36-41

[Daniel Baumet]

In a moment of weakness we inherit the potential to make one mistake with long lasting consequences. I call this the Esau Syndrome. Selling our birthright for a bowl of porridge. Now his error may seem foolish to us, but all of us can land in situations where good sense and spiritual commitment get undermined by our own weakness.
One good defense against this type of temptation is to know and understand that Satan will strike at or in that moment. We are at our emotional, or physical limit. He understands we to our lack of resources to resist any offer. So he tailors his strategy to fit our supposed need. Wise believers should avoid becoming too tired, too hungry, too lonely, too angry (physically and spiritually) for in allowing this we leave the door open for Satan's short term solution. We get into unwise business deals, unsuitable marriage, bad living environments. Result is that what seemed a cheap quick solution now translate into a high price over a long life.
Too often as not we sell our “birthright” (God's plan for blessing) just because we do not consider the consequence. Very choice both right and wrong have good as well as bad scenarios. But in the end to what price? Make a habit of laying out the choices and then under neath write the probable out comes , take in the advice of those that may have been through the same field.
Ask : What are the consequences of this choice?
How will this choice effect me my relationship with God ? My family? My congregation? Me?
Can I live with my self tomorrow knowing what I did?
When we grow accustomed to evaluating decisions in this way we will be less likely to succumb to you know who's persuasiveness in our weakness!

[Pathways Of Grace]

"PHI 2: 5-7 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:"

Christ is our example, and humility, even though He is God, was His path. If we are humble it will directly affect the things we do, say, think and feel. It will color our actions as surely as being part of the world impacts a person moral character and outlook. We will make good decisions when we don't exalt the carnal man and strive to be the new man instead.

Plus if we think about it we must confess that most wrongful decision (especially concerning our own personal desires) come from not making God our first consideration. If we pause and think "now what does God say or expect me to do?" before comitting to an action, we will find that most times than not we will do the right thing.

Three things contribute to wrongful decision making: 1. Pride, 2. Anger 3. Lust. Since all of these are contrary to God's will and teachings of Jesus Christ, it is easy to find what the Bible says our actions should be DEVOID of these self-centered failings of character.

Like with Pride: "PRO 16: 18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. PRO 29: 23 A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit."

Or Anger: "EPH 4: 26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: "

And finally lust: "CO1 10: 6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. GAL 5: 16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh."

By not acting upon, or thinking upon for that matter, these things we will find that our decision making process will reflect the faith whereby we are called. We will make righteious decisions and this will lead to righteous actions. In Matthew 5:48 it says we are to perfect like our Father in heaven. How can we do that if we are not putting all effort into having the mind of Christ, walking our path of faith and doing things in righteousness.

Doing those things is the only decisions we should make.

Blessings,

Jonathan (Admin)

[Shaina]

Wow 2 great posts.

[Annette]

Thanks for this, Jonathan (-- even though I'm reading it much later than it was written). Good advice here.

[Daniel Baumet]

TY mine and Jon or Mine (teshivah)

[Curt]

Yep, both posts are very good :).

[Daniel Baumet]

ty for clarifying this clear muddy water! lol GB U Curt!

[Annette]

I like the emphasis in Daniels's comments on taking care of ourselves in order to be able to do what's right. Too often we don't take our own needs into consideration -- or just expect WAY too much of oursleves and somehow expect everything to be all right anyway.

Love God above all and our neighbour as ourselves.

[Daniel Baumet]

Good point and how can we love our neighbor if we do not love our self! People forgive, God forgives , ... yet we seem never to forgive or feel somewhat selfish in attempting to forgive our self!
God made us all , in that we are equals. We are all sinners and again in that we are equals. But one price was paid by one sacrifice to redeem all (Including Satan should he repent .. like that will happen).
Shaul sh'ual why kick you against the wall;? lol