2.10.8 "If I Did it My Way..."

"If I Did it My Way..."

Exodus 30:11-31:18
Matthew 26:47-68
Psalm 32:1-11
Proverbs 8:27-32

"Boy if I'd had it to do all over again..." Ever heard that before? (or have you said it?) Because each and every moment of life is really made up of choices, we have plenty of opportunity to second guess and reconsider, and maybe even have some regrets for choices that have been made in the past. Wouldn't it be great to just KNOW what to do in every situation so that there would be no regret?

Some choices we make we don't really have to think about. I drive a manual transmission pick-up. When I first got it, I would really pay attention when the right time to shift was. Now, I don't even know that i think about it. In more spiritual terms, there are choices that should become automatic as well. "Hey buddy, wanna go out drinkin'?" Well, that should be a no-brainer.

What about in times of crisis or trial when there's a split second decision to make. Will it be the right choice?

Matthew 26 describes the setting in the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus is being arrested. Judas enters the garden with a crowd of men armed with swords and clubs. He greets Jesus with a kiss. "Then the others grabbed Jesus and arrested him. But one of the men with Jesus pulled out his sword and struck the high priest's slave, slashing off his ear. 'Put away your sword,' Jesus told him. 'Those who use the sword will die by the sword. Don't you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and he would send them instantly? But if I did, how would the Scriptures be fulfilled that describe what must happen now?" Matt. 26:50-54

In essence, Jesus is saying, "I could do it my way, but it wouldn't align with God's Word."

I've heard the song, "He Could have called ten thousand angels..." many times before, but in reading this passage this time, I was captured by the fact that Jesus knew the scriptures well enough that it caused him to react according to scripture, and not his own drive for self-preservation.

What an incredible challenge that is to us. I'm sure we've been in those situations where we send out a 911 emergency prayer, "God what should I do?"... I wonder how many times God feels like saying, "You should know what to do because I put the principles in my Word."

What a tragedy to read the Word only to find the way you "should" have done things when we have every opportunity to preemptively prepare for each and every decision by knowing the truth of the word.

Psalm 32:8 says, "The Lord says, 'I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.'" By investing his Word into our own lives, we are in tune with His direction.

So, in the choices you face today, you can do it your way, but does it align with God's Word? How do you know?



Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

P Greg


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