Here To There

With every choice or decision, we have an opportunity to determine how we will respond and what that response will be guided by. As noted in part five, there can be a variety of different motivators that may spur us to action. Often, we must choose or are influenced by an immediacy of our desires. We set our sights on a particular result and diligently work to ‘move mountains’ to make that dream come true. These efforts can sometimes be described as “trying to force a square peg into a round hole.”
 
It is amazing the amount of time, money and energy people will invest to obtain or acquire the specific possessions and outcomes they desire. To our own detriment the ‘fallout’ that can occur makes our decision or choice not only not in our best interests, but often difficult or impossible to recover from.
 
When failure is our outcome we lament, suffer, recover (if possible) and try to move on, readjusted or wiser from the experience. There is however a way to sidestep disruptive adversities on our path. How? By relying on the Lord’s spirit to counsel and guide ours. When we are faced with a choice of options we can rely on His spiritual guidance and assistance to analyze our current position before jumping in or 'pulling the trigger' on an outcome detrimental to our immediate best interest and future.
 
Should we choose to ask or rely on others we should remember that provincial or parochial advice can come with a preconceived notion or agenda. 'Solutions' from others may not be in our best interests for a variety of reasons. There is however, one we can ask with confidence no matter the ramifications, intent, or consequences. When we spiritually turn to the Lord’s spirit within us, we are automatically guided correctly on the path under consideration.
 
Because of God’s parental nature (Father) He always wants what is best for us. As His character is fully invested in His Son, Jesus has shown us the way by example through his scriptural recorded thoughts, words, and deeds. As a result of His Holy Spirit dwelling within us, as followers and believers in Christ, the full capacity of his Spirit’s power to resist moral and ethical disobedience (‘sin’) patiently waits to be called upon. Reminding us of the different consequences of our pending decisive actions.
 
We can try as we might to force that square peg into the round hole. Or, we can respond as God would have us do, by asking and answering ourselves; What Would Jesus Do? Thus, avoiding the hole of adversity before us and subsequently skip all efforts to try and dig ourselves out when the realities of our short-sighted desires collapse and crush us. We can trust our spirit infused with God’s, or we can once again embrace the world’s way. The choice as always is ours to make.
 
We may be assured of two things. Should we choose the world’s way, we will be on our own and our decision may be fruitful, it may be detrimental, or it may amount to little or nothing. In short it can be 'good, bad or ugly.' Should we choose to trust, depend, and rely on God’s way by asking and then understanding, “What Jesus Would Do?” in the same or similar situation, two amazing things take place. First, we will make the best decision for both the short and long term. Second, our obedient response to God’s spirit and Jesus’ counseled instructions will save us from loss in that current and future related matters. Just as importantly for our spiritual grounding and growth, Father, Son, and Spirit are pleased with our faithful conscience.
 
The more we ask and respond as God would have us, the more balance we will experience in life, for we will be on a path that brings is closer to Him by our Christ-like responses. If you are desiring to imitate anyone, emulate Christ. The only questions that will remain for your future are: Will you ask for His guidance? Will you hear His answer? Will you listen to His instructions? Will you respond to His way?   
 
Join me next time for Part 7 when we peek under the nutshell.