Articles
Fixed Points of Reference
Fixed points of reference help keep us focused. They help us see where we are in view of where we need to be. They help us measure our progress and our failures. Sometimes seeing our failure is hard because we drift along, almost imperceptibly. Many failures come, not as big blowouts, but as casual drifting until we find ourselves far from shore. Indifference does that to us.
In order, therefore, to help us make wise choices, we need to look at our past experiences. We need to learn from our failures. If we keep making the same choices that keep producing the same bad results, isn’t something wrong? As someone said, “If the plane is going down someone needs to pull up on the stick.” There must be a change of directions. Another good point of reference is to ask, “In view of my current circumstances, what is the wise thing to do?”
Consider: life is seasonal. Today’s sorrow will be replaced by tomorrow’s joy. Today’s anger will probably be tempered with tomorrow’s perspective. Today’s worry will be replaced by tomorrow’s concern. As Jesus said, “Each day has its own worries.” If we aren’t careful, we will allow the pressure, fears, and circumstances of today drive us to make decisions we will regret tomorrow. So we owe it to ourselves–and the people we love–to take our current emotions and state of mind into account when making decisions. How many times have we over-reacted in the moment only to apologize later? Only to say to ourselves, “I wish I had waited twenty-four hours.”
So, in view of what is going in our lives right now, what is the wise thing to do? As we consider our frame of mind, emotional state, and even physical health, what is the wise thing to do? As we consider our current responsibilities and commitments, something that a year from now may not be a factor, what is the wise thing to do? As we examine the current status of our finances, what is the wise thing to do? As we think about our marriages and children, what is the wise thing to do?
Life is seasonal. What is appropriate today may be completely inappropriate a month from now. What is foolish today may be prudent tomorrow. It is not enough to determine what is legal, permissible, or even practical. As a follower of Christ we have been called to approach life with a different standard. So ask, “In light of our past experiences and current seasons of life, what is the wise thing to do?
Quote: “No matter how you used yesterday, you received 24 hours today.”
(Author Unknown)
