Living in dual citizenship has its challenges, don’t you think?
Our feet trod this Earth while our hearts pursue a Heavenly destination. Both places bear witness to the Creator. Daily, we encounter the reminders of the divine craftmanship at hand in a world that resists redemption and restoration. Beauty in the temporary; Sovereign arms reaching out to bodies turned away. Our God-in a perpetual motion of movement forward to remind us where truth, wisdom, comfort are found.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. (Prov. 3:4-5).
What happens when we lean on our own understanding?
Impulsive and irrational decisions often appear tantalizing. We quickly jump to the resolutions, yet, later realizing our feet stuck a hard landing.
Sometimes, the choices don’t appear sinful. And, for others, they may not be.
- taking on an extra work project
- investing in a large purchase
- refusing to humbly surrender to God’s mercies and grace when holding a difference of opinion with someone
- lunging toward our own desires without considering the implications for ourselves and others (is the goal a reflection of wise stewardship of time, talents, and treasures?)
Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.
“Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.” (Matt. 6:33, The Message).
When we are next tempted to run towards the lure of a “should”, perhaps the best course of action is to pause and discern whose voice is speaking.
(This post is written for the Five Minute Writing Community on the prompt “should.” Come join the fun: http://katemotaung.com/five-minute-friday/)
Reminds me of just before I got sick…being old enough to know better, I decided to see if I could do a thousand situps without a break.
I could, and wore a hole through the skin over my tailbone. Oops.
My last words on this Earth will probably be, “Yo, Bubba, hold my beer and watch THIS!”
#1 at FMF this week.
http://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2017/05/your-dying-spouse-306-but-i-still-trust.html
I have to say you had me at ‘dual citizenship’! That’s an idea I’m going to mull over (and perhaps write about) – divine prompting maybe – as my husband has dual British/Irish nationality. And I can feel the inspiration bubbling away now. So thank you so much! (Your FMF neighbour #38)
Thanks for stopping by! I was thinking of your image as I was writing it. Go for it!
“Discern whose voice is speaking.” That’s a good word. Thank you for that and one I needed today. So glad to stop by, friend. #fmf
Yes! Whose voice is speaking? It’s important for us to reflect on that. Im over in the 30 spot this week.
“When we are next tempted to run towards the lure of a “should”, perhaps the best course of action is to pause and discern whose voice is speaking.” Wise words! They speak directly to my circumstances this week. Thank you.
Great post! I agree, it’s so important to discern where the “should” is coming from and to seek God rather than just doing what seems like a good idea to us.
I wish I’d learned about time stewardship when I was younger. But now is the moment to embrace and consider what is best so shoulds don’t have the final say!
I love your question, Stephanie: SHOULD we do something, simply because we CAN do it? Thinking about it in terms of our dual citizenship is really helpful — our mundane decisions aren’t separate from our life with God. Everything connects.
Stephanie, such wisdom shared here! As I read your post, this thought came to mind: When we know God’s purposes for us, we will have a better feel for those things we “should” do and those things we “should” let alone. Knowing what He wants for us makes it easier to say no to those good, but not necessarily best, things.