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We
live in a time in which restraint and self-discipline are not
widely considered to be virtues.
Impulse guides behavior more than reason.
The gap between the impulse and the resulting action is
sometimes so small that, to many, it seems not to exist.
Many seem to be willing to pronounce any act justified
if the impulse that prompted it is in any way justified.
But
we are accountable to God for our actions whether the world
recognizes our accountability or does not.
When tempted to do a thing that is wrong we are
equipped with the God-given ability to pause and think before
acting. What
happens during that pause may have eternal consequences.
The Philadelphia Youth Study Center used to have this
slogan: "The
difference between the delinquent and the non-delinquent youth
is the pause between the temptation and the act."
The slogan is just as true if we delete the word
"youth".
As
we pause in the midst of temptation we ought to remind
ourselves that we do not usually have to act swiftly.
We sometimes make rash decisions rather than allow
ourselves to choose our actions or words slowly and
deliberately (Proverbs 6:18; Romans 3:15; James 1:19).
Slow down. Widen
the gap between the impulse and the action.
Take
the time to think about the earthly consequences of your
actions. How will
your actions affect your family, the church, your friends, or
your own reputation? Do
you want to live with those consequences?
Take
the time to consider all of your options.
Under pressure we sometimes develop "tunnel
vision". We
see only one course of action when, in fact, there are many
options available to us.
Look for them. At
least one of your options will always be morally right (1
Corinthians 10:13).
Take
the time to consider the eternal consequences (Revelation
21:8). The fear
motive may not be the "highest" motive in the rating
system that some brethren use, but we ought to be grateful
that God has revealed both his goodness and his severity
(Romans 11:22). If
a knowledge of God's wrath helps us to gain one ounce of
resolve to do right and avoid evil, then we ought to be
pleased to have such knowledge.
Take
the time to contemplate the goodness of God.
He is the source of every good gift (James 1:17).
He loved you enough to give his son that you might have
eternal life (John 3:16).
Pause to think of the debt of gratitude that you owe.
Pause
to consider God's word. It
contains divine guidance that can keep you from evil (Psalm
119:9-16). Sometimes
in the midst of temptation, when tempers or passions are
hottest, we search the Word of God less when we need it most.
It is during such times that we would do well to heed
the words of our heavenly father who said, "Be still, and
know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10).
Tim Nichols
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