The Impact of Your Decisions (Gen 34)

Study and observations of decisions/decision makers in this passage.

Jacob made the decision to avoid Esau (lie to him), and then bought land from the sons of Hamor (33:18-20)

Dinah made a decision to see the women of the land (34:1)

Shechem made the decision to lust after Dinah and to rape her (34:2-4) and then to marry her? He even talked directly to the dad and brothers and said he would give as big an engagement present of whatever they asked (vv.11-12).

Jacob made the decision to not respond right away. He chose to hold his peace until his sons came back (v.5) … why did he do this? At the end (v.30) it seemed like he was again more concerned about himself than others (his own daughter, Hamor/Shechem, his sons)

Hamor (Shechem’s dad) made the decision to request on behalf of his son who had done an evil deed (vv.6, 8). He treated it as a business deal also (vv.9-10, 18-24)

Jacob’s sons (esp. Simeon & Levi) chose to be angry (vv.7, 31), deceitful (vv.13-17), and vengeful (vv.25-29).

All made decisions. All had an impact on themselves and others. No decisions are without impact…ever. In most cases, no decisions ONLY affect you.

What about us?

decision about trusting in Jesus as your savior.

Decision about loving God and keeping His commandments.

Decision about loving others and serving them? (Jesus & Sam Woman)

Decision about loving people who are not like us (like Jesus did with Sam Woman).

Decision about being a faithful follower who makes disciples as your primary and clear reason for being in this church and in this world.

Impact our decision have on our life and others?

FROM Regeneration article 3/5/24

n our journey through life, we often find ourselves grappling with unwanted behaviors that seem to persist despite our best efforts to change them.

Maybe it's overeating when we're not hungry, succumbing to temptations that we swore to resist, or struggling with any form of habitual behavior that leaves us feeling frustrated and defeated. But what if there's a deeper reason behind these behaviors?

Picture a tree, with its ripe fruits and lush leaves representing the outward behaviors that catch our attention. At the core of this imagery lies the notion that these visible behaviors are just the surface manifestations of deeper roots, branches, and trunk. Just as the roots of a tree anchor and nourish it, our beliefs, experiences, and emotions serve as the foundation for our actions.

In times of temptation or when we find ourselves entangled in unwanted behaviors, it’s crucial to pause and delve into our emotional landscape. What are we feeling in our bodies? What thoughts are fueling these emotions?

By exploring our deeper feelings and the experiences that have shaped us, we can gain a better understanding of our actions and thought patterns. We like to call that "Storywork."

It’s essential to remember that this exploration isn’t a call to shame or self-condemnation. Instead, it serves as an invitation to engage more deeply with God concerning the roots of our desires and behaviors. This allows us to bring our whole selves before God, embracing both our unwavering trust and our moments of doubt and disbelief.

As we strive to unearth the roots of our behaviors and beliefs, we are not alone. Seeking support, whether through coaching, community, journaling, or prayer, can provide wisdom and healing. It's all about taking small steps toward self-awareness and inviting the Holy Spirit to guide us into greater freedom and wholeness.

So, if you find yourself wrestling with persistent behaviors, consider delving deeper, and reflecting on your emotions, thoughts, and beliefs. What insights might come to light as you explore the deeper layers of your inner world? Remember, this is a compassionate journey, and each step forward is a step toward living God's good and holy design for your sexuality.

May you find the courage and compassion to continue on this transformative journey, knowing that God is faithful to meet you where you are and lead you into wholeness.