Table of Contents
Think Critically and Live
Proverbs 9:6 Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.
“Come on live a little!” Have you ever heard that phrase? Interestingly, that very phrase can lead to foolishness, which robs people of life. It’s as if the foolish are calling others to become like them. Then of course, there’s, “Get a life.”
How many do you know who seriously struggle? Nothing seems to go right for them, and if something does start to move in a positive direction, it suddenly reverses course. It gets flushed down the toilet for no apparent reason. Perhaps, you’ve experienced some of this, and would love to see positive change.
Such change requires honest self-assessment. Yes, brutal honesty is the order of the day. If you’re not prepared to start there, don’t complain if things continue the same direction. On the other hand, if you’re ready, here’s a place to start. Ask yourself, “have I been foolish?” Ask Holy Spirit to show you the answer.
Our opening Scripture states, “Forsake the foolish, and live.” This is where this question comes into play. Instead of blaming other people or circumstances for your troubles, examine your thoughts and behavior. By the way, it’s easy to blame the devil for all your woes, if you want to avoid taking personal responsibility.
Do you avoid critical thinking? How rash are your decisions? These two go hand in hand. If you fail to think critically, you may very well make hasty decisions that have negative consequences. Emotions often play a big factor in this one. If you’re short-sighted, you won’t consider the long-term effect of those decisions.
For instance, if someone buys something on impulse, using credit, he may find himself struggling to pay his bills. He goes from having a surplus, to having to live paycheck to paycheck. It’s not always the amount of money you generate, it’s what you do with it that makes a difference. Some people can survive on very little, while others are always in the hole, no matter how much money they have. If you never have enough, look at your spending habits.
In short, part of change is putting away those things that are hurting you. So be brave, and ask what needs to change?
Seek Understanding
Be willing to learn. In most cases, change means acquiring knowledge, wisdom and understanding. Just because one doesn’t know how to do something doesn’t mean he or she can’t learn how. That states the obvious, but people stay in the same mess because they fail to seek new understanding.
Proverbs 5:4-7 Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.
There are many resources available to us, especially in this day and age. We have so many opportunities to learn new things. Most importantly, we have God. If you don’t understand a particular area in life, ask for help. Holy Spirit can you lead you to right resources for learning, whether it’s the Bible, people, books and so on. If you’re willing to listen, He will tell you what you need to hear.
Don’t be Lazy and Thrive
Another part of the puzzle is being diligent. Some desire change, but they’re not willing put in the work necessary for it happen. The process does require action for change to materialize. For instance, read the book and learn. Apply what you learn, and see what happens. No one owes us a living; we are not entitled. Luck will not get the job done. People may help, but they can’t do our work for us. Obedience requires action on our part. After all, faith requires a response in order for it to be fruitful.
Proverbs 6:9-11 How long will you lie down, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? “A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest”— Your poverty will come in like a vagabond And your need like an armed man.
Proverbs 13:4 The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat (will prosper).
