THINK IT THROUGH!

My old pastoral boss used to say this all the time and it drove me nuts. "Think it through," he'd say instead of answering my questions or those of other church members/leaders, "Think it all the way through!"

You know, years later, I appreciate that phrase. Yes, it was annoying when I wanted a quick knee-jerk answer under pressure, but over the years, it has saved me untold grief to have his words bouncing around in my head.

Our culture NEVER thinks things through. We are emotional, sound-bite-driven, fast-food-oriented people with people to go and places to see (or is that people to see and...never mind, no time for that now). We make decisions based on "gut feel" and "crowd dynamics." We, like lemmings, race forward with the pack, never noticing that we're fast approaching a cliff with no brakes. We make decisions and vote with almost NO information! Want "free healthcare?" "YES," we say, never asking who's going to pay and how. "Want a new car with no money down and no payments for 9 months?" "Absolutely!" We respond, never thinking about the old adage--"there ain't no free lunch."

STOP!

I feel like this week has been a time of pause for me. A time to reflect and listen for God's voice. Having had that--I want it for everyone! Take time to think and hear from God. Tune in this weekend as we look at "Using Good Judgment" and explore what Jesus had to say about "thinking things through." It could save you untold time and spare you immeasurable misery....

See you in Church,

Pastor Joel