Daily Devotions
Proverbs 25:8-10 Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame. Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another: Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.
Passion, zeal, and enthusiasm are all good things to have, when they are kept under control and used in the right places. In our verses today, Solomon is warning his son of the problem of acting too quickly on a matter without thinking it through.
Thinking it through does not mean discussing it with everyone who comes by. We often tend to alter, or exaggerate facts to make others like our point of view. We will also gravitate toward those who will agree with us. If the matter has to do with someone else, handling a matter between two believers should remain between two believers unless others are directly involved.
Our wisdom must come from God. To make a better decision on handling a matter it is always best to take time to speak with God, allowing Him to direct your paths. Quite often God will handle the matter for you before you even have to say or do anything. Deciding to “Deal With A Problem,” as we may like to call it, without taking time to pray over it is like going into battle with no clear directive. You go with your mind made up as to what you want and what you feel is best for you. However, as believers we must ask first, what does God want? What might be God’s priorities in this situation or decision? How can God use you in what has happening?
Passion, zeal, and enthusiasm are great. However, our passion and zeal must be to do the work of our Father, which is in Heaven. If this is our goal, God will be glorified, not horrified.
THE WORD WALKING IN ME:
A few easy rules in conflict resolution are given here.
(1) Sleep on it if at all possible. Do not be too hasty and rush to judgment.
(2) Talk it out with the person alone. Not everything needs to be brought into a public arena.
(3) Guard your testimony and that of the person you are dealing with. Remember, both testimonies are important in lifting up God. The world is watching us.
THROUGH THE BIBLE WITH DAILY PROVERBS
Luke 3 – 5 / Proverbs 25:8-10
THROUGH THE BIBLE OLD & NEW TESTAMENT DAILY
Isa. 45-48 / Col. 4
Living In His Word Ministries
“Getting people into the Word of God…
… and the Word of God into people.”
Dr. Franklin J. Senters Th.D.
Founder and Executive Director
Hebrews 2:12