Wisdom for a New Year [full message replay]
Bobby McGraw - January 5, 2020
Wisdom for a New Year
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Becoming Wise
We’ve talked before on this blog about the importance of making wise decisions: not emotionally charged, short-term decisions that we end up regretting, but making wise decisions. The kind of decisions that stand the test of time and are for the greater good.
Using the word wise is focusing. Asking the question, “What is the wise thing for me to do” is a fantastic clarifying question. It cuts through the clutter. It points to an ideal.
One of my favorite examples of a wise decision-maker is Joseph in the Old Testament book of Genesis. Joseph was born into privilege. He was his dad’s favored child and his brothers hated him. His brothers considered killing him and ultimately settled for selling him into slavery.
Joseph was falsely accused of a crime and ended up in jail. He was overlooked and forgotten. Through it all, he developed influence with those in jail with him and those in authority over him. What an amazing feat! Joseph ended up saving an entire nation and his own family. He grew from being an annoying little brother to being a wise leader.
- Joseph learned to manage up to those in authority over him by delivering amazing results.
- Joseph managed down to those under his authority by investing in relationships.
The thing that turned him into a wise leader who could do all this is that he learned to trust God unconditionally through all the dark times.
And you could see that trust lived out in his actions.
It reminds me of what Proverbs 16:3 says:
“Commit your actions to the Lord,
and your plans will succeed.”
If we trust God every day and act in response to that trust, we will become the kind of person that makes wise decisions that God can use to change the world!
Avoiding Disaster
You’re probably familiar with the phrase: hindsight is 20/20. It’s a phrase that reminds us that we don’t always see things clearing until it’s too late.
Have you ever realized something was a mistake after it was too late? I know I have.
Things are not always as they seem. Hindsight is 20/20 reminds us that people are able to evaluate past decisions more clearly than they did in the moment.
Proverbs reminds us of this truth.
Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.
— Proverbs 12:15 NLT
There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.
— Proverbs 16:25 NLT
Nobody sets out to make a disastrous decision. In the moment, it seems right. It seems obvious. And then it blows up in our face.
Is it possible to get clarity BEFORE it’s too late? Is it possible to avoid the mistake and the negative repercussions that come from it?
I believe there are at least five strategies we can employ to avoid disaster.
5 Strategies for Avoiding Disaster
1. Trust God
This is the starting point. No matter how smart you are, God knows more than you do. The one who knows you best knows what is best for you. Trust him. Rest in him. Don’t try to manufacture
2. Listen to Godly Counsel
There is wisdom in hearing from godly friends, families, mentors, etc. Give them a little context and ask, “Am I missing anything here? Any red flags?”
3. Plan Carefully
Create a game plan. Start with the destination in mind and then work backwards. This helps you get clear on where you are going and while determining the steps to get there.
4. Check Your Words and Emotions
Misguided words or out of control emotions can derail even the best plans. When they go unchecked, we sabotage ourselves. Look out for areas you are overreacting to. That’s typically a symptom of a deeper issue.
5. Know Your Heart
Pay attention to what’s going on inside of you. Are you in a good place? The best plans come from walking with God consistently. As God shapes your heart, you can take surer steps. You path becomes clearer — more obvious.
Here’s a challenge for you today. I stead of saying, “I’m going to do whatever I think is best.” Ask, “What is the wisest thing to do?” Then listen and follow whatever God tells you to do. And when you do, you’ll avoid disaster.
Bombs & Grenades [podcast]
Bobby McGraw - February 27, 2018
Bombs & Grenades
From Series: "Weekday Podcast"
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