What was that?

¹² “I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence;
   I possess knowledge and discretion.
¹³ To fear the LORD is to hate evil;
   I hate pride and arrogance,
   evil behavior and perverse speech.
¹⁴ Counsel and sound judgment are mine;
   I have insight, I have power.

Proverbs 8:12-14

Have you ever had thoughts come into your head and immediately think, "What was that?"  That happens to me fairly often.  I hate to admit it, but it does.  Something will happen when I'm driving and I'll have a thought like, "I wish it was ok for me to just cut them off and make them pee themselves a little."  Or something changes and your first thought is, "I hate that.  Now this is going to stink tonight."  Or maybe someone does something and you feel like one right hook would solve it. 

Anyone else?  Or are you just that holy? 

What if we played out all of your thoughts on a video and just handed out popcorn, soda's, and some Milk Duds (my personal movie staple) and just enjoyed the show?  That would be pretty interesting huh?

At our heart's best we are prideful, selfish people that feel pulled to our own desires.  Certainly, the beauty of the gospel message is that upon believing in the message that Jesus died & rose again, our hearts will be changed and a process of holiness will begin in our life (Titus 3:4-8).  These times of saying "What was that?" will become less frequent. 

One of the reasons that I love Proverbs is that they don't mess around.  Here in Proverbs 8 it says if you are wise, meaning if you are following the will of God, you will hate evil, pride, arrogance and perverse speech. 

Isn't it amazing how quickly all four of those things rise up within us though.  When something doesn't fit our preferences we are ready to get angry, blow up and jump ship.  When we don't get what we want out of someone or something we look for ways to make things worse rather then either taking the high road or figuring out ways to make things better.  When faced with an opportunity to actually speak life into a situation through encouragement and wisdom, we choose gossip and back stabbing. 

Seeking wisdom means seeking Jesus.  Gaining insight means gaining more of Jesus. 

One practice that I'm trying to make a habit when I speak with God is evaluating how I've handled situations throughout that day or the previous day.  When I do this I try putting it through the lens of Colossians 3:12-15:

¹² Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. ¹³ Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. ¹⁴ And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
 ¹⁵ Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 

Some days are better then others and I'll be a work in progress to the day I die.  One thing I've realized is that I don't handle every situation correctly, and my way/preference/thoughts aren't always right. (ugh...even as I type that there is a part of me that wants to say, "But, I am right a lot." Stinking pride).
 
Stop being a fool.

Peace,
Wags