I think one of the biggest questions in the kingdom ought be this when it comes to the idea of questionable or unusual behavior. I also think the response to it determines what is really going on.

Have you thought this out?

I am finding in the midst of an increased understanding of grace an increase of resentment and rejection of correction. I say this is not a response to religion but a revealed immaturity.

Immature? You don’t understand.

Oh, but I do. I have been immature and acted immaturely. Immaturity is not sin, but it can lead to sin.

So, the bigger question may well be, are you going to let your emotions and feelings get in the way of maturity?

The greatest counsel we can ever receive will come directly from the Lord. No one will hear better for me than me in the long run. But with out the foundation of the word in our lives, how will we know that we are not being deceived? Ahhh…Now we get to the crux of it. “Read my Bible?” Yes! I am so thankful for the pressure that was exerted on me in the early days of my Christianity. It forced me to examine everything. Words, thoughts and impressions.

And just because I “knew” the Bible did not mean I did not do wrong. Unfortunately for me the community of believers were quick to point out my errors! Fortunately for me, it caused me to examine them. Unfortunately for me I also learned to isolate in bad times.

The scripture tells us though that there is wisdom in the counsel of many. A security. And sometimes the return to reality. To biblical understanding. To reason.

These are some of the things I have encountered in ministry over the years.

• I am going to Foxwoods because the Lord told me to. Have you thought this out?
• I am getting divorced. Have you thought this out?
• I am leaving my spouse and marrying another. Have you thought this out?
• I just want to be happy. I quit my job. I am leaving my kids with my mother. Have you thought this out?

Not one of these ended up well. I do understand that time is not over. (Are there second chances? Yes, but what does that look like in the end?) But I have watched church going children thrown to the wolves, eaten by raging alcoholism and drugs. Sent to foster homes, imprisoned and even death in a couple of cases. I have watched family finances gambled away leaving the family at the mercy of the state systems.

Have you thought this out?

I think it is okay and reasonable to ask this question. I am sorry if people “feel guilty” or “feel condemned”. Anyone who truly knows me knows my heart is to save you pain To love you. I think God is the same. He does not condemn you but He can put roadblocks in play. And what does one do with this scripture? 1 John 3:19-21 We will know by this that we are of the truth, and will assure our heart before Him in whatever our heart condemns us; for God is greater than our heart and knows all things. Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God;…

Friends, I do not know about you, but when I am “wrong” I know it. That can be sin, wrong direction or something not good for me. And I even know I should “make it right”. But in our emotional state we often have the capacity to seek the “feel good” zone. Unfortunately, that is temporary.

I am glad for the folks who said, “Have you thought this out?” I wish there were more. We must be careful not to insulate ourselves from pain(Because not all pain is unhealthy. I am NOT talking about sickness in any form.), when in fact the pain is indicative of needed change or growth.

How many have headed out into the depths of a circumstance, while trusted friends and family sit on the shore saying, “Have you thought this out?” Only to have their “ship” destroyed in the waves of iniquity and sin? As they desperately hold to a piece of “wood” and drift up on the shore that family, that community awaits. Not to say “I told you so” but to embrace and to comfort. But truly, at some point would it not be wise to evaluate your actions before you attempt another journey? I am not saying listen to “naysayers” unless the “naysayers” are truly expressing the truth and character of God in their counsel and wisdom. Too often people want to call people religious or legalistic, naysayers or fun killers, when in fact they are hearing from God and attempting to exhort you to a higher, better place.

I think it ironic how many want a fresh word from a prophetic voice, but when it contradicts their direction, declare it “null and void”. Honestly, I accept that, but my heart “hurts” when I see it occur and I know it could have been different. I do not feel guilty, but I do feel the pain of their choice. When one part of the body hurts, the rest is touched with their pain.

There is a reason it is encouragement, edification and exhortation. We are big on the 1st, a little less on the 2nd and its “change required” and the 3rd stings sometimes.

Loving people on purpose requires all 3.

It is time to say “I want to grow up into Him, who is the head of the church.” No longer can we live as Peter Pan, shying away from growth and maturity, avoiding the correction of the Lord, but truly embracing the idea of becoming a mature son (Or daughter) of the Most High. That is what creation is crying out for.

It is time to cause Jesus to be the center of your existence. To allow Him to shape you, to mold you. To ask yourself “what am I thinking” and being honest with yourself.

Many years ago I embraced and developed a “sieve” or a method of determining my actions. I would like to tell you I used it “all” the time and where I did not I could tell you the results…

But here it is.

• Is it biblical?
• Is it timely?
• Is it wise?
• Is it providential?
• Is it good for me?

Too often I find the charismatic church looks to the providential, often blowing past the others. The insecure or fearful become dogmatic looking to legal structure and legalism. The immature often chase down only the “feel good” missing the “is it good” question. They will avoid wisdom and rely on circumstance.

Today, I want to become more like Him. Just saying that I am sure I will receive my opportunity! It may require change or repentance, but as I child I looked forward to the day I could drive. I approach the “maturity of the sons of God” with the same enthusiasm.