Making a Course Correction
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CHILDREN’S MOMENT
Have you ever thought about what you want to be when you grow up?
9 In your heart you plan your life. But the Lord decides where your steps will take you.
says, “In your heart you plan your life. But the LORD decides where your steps will take you” (NIrV).
says, “In your heart you plan your life. But the LORD decides where your steps will take you” (NIrV).
“How do you get what you want?”
Sometimes what we think we want to be when we grow up changes.
After high school, Nate joined the Army to train to be a fighter pilot. But one day before he started pilot training, the infection in his leg returned. The Army told him he would not be able to be a fighter pilot.
I always thought I would be an Attorney when I was growing up—my Mom said it was because I liked to argue.
At first Nate was sad. But he still wanted to fly, so he got his pilot’s license and became a missionary pilot in the country of Ecuador in the 1950s. Nate delivered food and medical supplies to missionary families and flew others into the jungle to tell people, who had never heard the gospel, about Jesus. Because of his example, Nate’s sister, Rachel, and his son Steve later became missionaries in Ecuador. Nate didn’t get to do exactly what he had planned, but by following God’s plan for his life, many people came to know Jesus.
Some people lie. Some people pitch fits, yell and scream.
[Ask these questions]
What would you like to be when you grow up? How will you feel if God has a different plan?
Some people just ask nicely. Other people make a plan and work on the plan.
Having big dreams for your future is a great thing! It keeps us focused on pursuing our dreams. But if God has another dream for you, trust Him it will not only be better, because he knows you better than you can ever know yourself.
Talk to God about what you want and listen to Him
INTRODUCTION
The big question we started with : How do I get from where I am to where I want to be?
The big question we started with three weeks ago was: “How do I get from where I am to where I want to be?”
Biblical principles in Wisdom Literature (Proverbs, Psalms, Job, Ecclesiastics, Song of Solomon):
Reap what you sow
Actions define outcomes
The simple keep right on going
Behavior determines results
Direction, not intentions, determine destination
Ten basic Biblical themes found in Wisdom Literature:
1. The world has been corrupted by sin, and life is not fair.
2. Every person is responsible to respond for the light given to them.
3. Freedom was the first gift given to humanity at creation.
4. Every person has an innate desire to restore the freedom lost by our first parents.
5. The typical person sees life as an independent journey resulting in choices to reach a desired outcome which best benefits them and those within their circle of concern.
6. Every person starts where they are, and chooses to stay there or to take a road to another destination.
7. Most people do not look beyond the next bend in the road, they see only the distractions along their way. As a result, most people never gain the courage to question or discover what lies beyond the bend.
8. People often blame God for their broken lives, rather than taking responsibility for their bad decisions.
9. Sin always takes us farther than we are willing to go, and costs us more than we are to pay!
10. A wise person looks at the second and third order effects of their steps, while a fool steps without looking!
If you narrowed the themes down to specific issues, each book answers a important question:
Job answers the question, “Why is there so much pain in this life, and how do I deal with it?”
Psalms point heavenward and teach us how to walk with God.
Proverbs are aimed at daily living and teach us to walk with people.
Ecclesiastes is a treatise on the nature of life and the struggles of life’s difficulties—it ends with a conclusion about life and God.
And Song of Songs is a romantic love letter and cautions us about what can take the joy out of marriage.
Now turn to
Solomon, the primary author of Proverbs, tells us that Proverbs was written
2 for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; 3 for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair; 4 for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young—
Prov 1:2
Who doesn’t want that?
2 for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight;
2 for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; 3 for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair; 4 for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young-
Who doesn’t want that?
To be PRUDENT means = “to know what to do,” “to discern properly,” “to exercise good judgment,” or “having common sense.” Knowing what to do. Exercising good judgment. Having common sense.
Prudent = Knowing what to do. Exercising good judgment. Having common sense.
We don’t use this word very much, but the book of Proverbs uses it a lot.
In fact, Solomon compares and contrasts prudent people with a second kind of people, simple people.
SIMPLE does not refer to a person’s intellectual abilities. It refers to the INABILITY & FAILURE to apply practical knowledge and common sense solutions to life situations.
From God’s perspective a person can be extremely intelligent AND simple; and, another can be less intelligent and prudent—like Forest Gump.
ILLUSTRATION
Forest was prudent—he thought long term! He applied knowledge wisely to life situations. He made decisions to ensure his future. Treated people with respect who didn’t deserve it . Built a financial empire and was surrounded by friends.
His Commander was much smarter but she was simple! He ruined his life with drunkenness and loose living while he moaned about his problems rather than overcoming them. He blamed everyone else for his failures rather than owning his mistakes.
In , Solomon says:
25 If you whip a person who makes fun of others, childish people will learn to be wise. If you warn someone who already understands what is right, he will gain even more knowledge.
Flog a mocker, and the simple will learn prudence; rebuke a discerning man, and he will gain knowledge ().
It’s an interesting observation! Solomon tells us, discerning (wise/prudent) people learn by verbal instruction, while simple people have to be whipped or beaten to learn a lesson.
In another Proverb, Solomon says:
16 A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted.
A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult ().
Simple people let their emotions get the best of them. They get mad and go into a rage; they gripe and complain when things don’t go their way—they don’t supply solutions!
But prudent people know how to control themselves and take things in stride—they may gripe, but they will find answers to problems!
Here’s another one:
15 The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.
Simple people are fooled easily; they follow emotions. But prudent people use their minds. Can you imagine if we mastered prudence? Life would be a lot easier, wouldn’t it?
A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps ().
Simple people get fooled easily; they follow emotions. But prudent people use their minds. Can you imagine if we mastered prudence? Life would be a lot easier, wouldn’t it?
One more:
3 The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.
A prudent person sees the future consequences of actions and correct their path; while the simple just keep going and pay the penalty!
The prudent see danger and take refuge,
but the simple keep going and pay the penalty ().
PRESSING ON…
PRESSING ON…
Before I left I asked you to read Proverbs. Did you do it?
You may recall we asked the question, “How can I get from where I am, to where I want to be?”
We learned, “Direction, not intentions, determine destination.” If we want to reach our destination, we have to be on the right road!
How do I choose the right road? How do I figure out what road I should be on? How do I get off the wrong road and onto the right one?
How do I choose the right road? How do I figure out what road I should be on? How do I get off the wrong road and onto the right one?
This proverb is telling us! The primary difference between the prudent and the simple is NOT WHAT THEY SEE but how they RESPOND TO WHAT THEY SEE!
The Proverb says:
12 The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.
The prudent see danger and take refuge. The simple see danger and keep going and pay a pena;lty!
Both of them see danger. One responds by changing course, the other keeps going and hopes that the danger will never arrive.
Have you ever had a discussion about a problem with a SIMPLE person? It goes something like this...
ILLUSTRATION
ILLUSTRATION
Conversation between a Prudent person and a Simple person discussing a problem often goes something like this…
Simple: “Oh, you know, that’s probably going to be a problem. I really ought to…”
Prudent: “Are you going to do something about it?”
Simple: “No. I’m just probably gonna keep going.”
Prudent: “But don’t you see?...”
Simple: “Yeah.”
Prudent: “Shouldn’t you do something about it?”
Simple: “Yeah, I should. You’re right. You’re right. I should.”
Prudent: “What are you going to do?”
Simple: “Nothing. Just keep going.”
Prudent: “Well, don’t you see…”
Simple: “Yeah, I probably should stop that. I should. I’m not arguing with you.”
Prudent: “What are you going to do?”
Simple: “Just keep going.”
Prudent: :But if you keep going you will hit a wall!”
Simple” “I know, but when I get there, I won’t hit the wall.?
Prudent: “Excuse me?”
Simple: “Yeah, I’m going to keep going… and when I get there, it’s just going to work out. Something will happen, or I’ll think of something when I get there.”
Prudent: “Are you really thinking this through?”
Simple: “Of course, that’s why I will keep on going!”
The simple do what? They just… keep… on… going!
You can see why Solomon calls people like this “simple.” A prudent person would make a course correction!
When a prudent person senses that a relationship is moving in an unhealthy direction, they do something. The simple keep on going.
When a prudent person sees trouble on their financial horizon, they do something. The simple keep on spending.
When a prudent person realizes that God is the most important person in the universe, and their relationship with him isn’t growing, they do something about it. The simple keep on doing whatever they were doing that took them away from God!
Just so we’re clear, the second half of the proverb says, “the simple keep going and pay the penalty.”
The penalty for what? For refusing to act on what they see. They pay the penalty because they see no connection between the choices of today and the experiences of tomorrow. They overlook the fact that every path has a destination.
THE SOLUTION
THE SOLUTION
Let’s answer the question now: “How do I get from where I am to where I want to be? How do I get on the right path?”
Let me provide 5 basic things you can do to get off the wrong road and onto the right road...
1. Choose your destination. (The big five: Spiritual, Relational, Moral, Physical, Financial)
If I don’t like my destination, I have to make a course correction! I have step off the path and get on another one. That usually costs me something! I usually have to give something up to make the change. Giving up what I have now to get what I want later may make me look foolish and it may be embarrassing.
But when I fail to determine destination, most often, I end up take me where I do not want to be! And I’ve discovered I am always bring me back to my emotional origin.
The emotional origin is the place you were when you first started your journey. You may be in a different point physically, but emotionally you are back where you started
It’s the point where you had insight but no practical knowledge.
ILLUSTRATON
It’s like a marriage that never grew, and 10 years later you know as much about the person you married as when you first started. Rather than deepening the relationship, it is the same or worse because you made no effort to make it better.
It is the job you had high hopes for and you were never promoted and your standard of living is unchanged. So the job no longer has the excitement and challenges that caused you to grow and mature.
It is the job you had high hopes for and you were never promoted and your standard of living is unchanged. You did nothing to change your circumstances, and sat around waiting for the job to get better!
Returning to your emotional origin is that depressing moment when you realize you are now older, but NOT wiser; tired, but have made no progress!
The prudent choose their destination and pursue it, the simple plug along wish life was different!
Have you chosen your destination or are just wishing you will get there?
2. Determine “true north.”
Failure to discover true north, makes “north” a random choice that never produces “assurance” I am walking the the right path. Without assurance of the right path, I will always question my journey.
Without assurance of the right path, I will always question my journey.
A prudent person evaluates the path as they are walking, looking for signs that ensure they are on the right road, assessing their surroundings to make the path ends at the right destination.
SELF DISCLOSURE
“True North” is my internal compass! The values I cherish and refuse to violate. The source of my power to say “No” to sin.
For me, “True North” is the Word of God! To know “North” I must know Jesus and walk with Him. “Apart from Him I can do nothing worthwhile!”
Have you determined your “True North” or is your life just random choices?
3. Understand where you are on the map.
Failure to determine where I am, makes my journey more difficult because I cannot estimate how long it will take me to reach my destination.
Where am I right now? (Spiritual, Relational, Moral, Physical, Financial)
Am I being honest about my Spiritual, Relational, Moral, Physical, and Financial condition?
If I fool myself on any of those, I will suffer.
The prudent person is honest so they can make adjustments, the simple keeps right on going!
Are you honest or are you just fooling yourself? If you are prudent you will stop and make an assessment, if you’re simple you will keep right on going!
4. Evaluate the obstacles and determine resources for your journey.
Failure to evaluate the obstacles prevents me from searching for resources to overcome them. God often provides resources for us to pick up now, to meet the needs we have tomorrow.
God often provides resources for us to pick up now, to meet the needs we have tomorrow.
ILLUSTRATION
I cannot count the times I have counseled people who received large sums of money, then squandered it, and discovered later THAT money was exactly what they needed now!
Failure to determine resources produces fatigue from carrying unnecessary “weight” or starvation from the lack of supplies.
Failure to determine resources produces fatigue from carrying unnecessary “weight” or starvation from the lack of supplies.
When I go on a trip, I evaluate how long, how far, how difficult—then carry the resources for the trip.
ILLUSTRATION
Four years ago a I went with some Scouts on a 21 mile Appalachian Trail 3 day hike. One Scout brought, one 12-ounce bottle of water, candy bars, and a tent and blanket.
When he realized at the beginning he did not have enough supplies, he and his father kept right on going!
A prudent person evaluates the obstacles and determines resources for the journey! The simple keep right on going. Are you Prudent or Simple?
Are you Prudent or Simple?
5. Determine what defines YOU?
I cannot make the journey with confidence until I know what defines my life. The energy to move forward comes from within, not without! It comes from the values that drive you and you energy to face life’s challenges.
The energy to move forward comes from within, not without!
A prudent person evaluates their life and discovers the internal values that motivate and guide them! Especially as they get older and death begins to stare at them in mirror.
The prudent person discovers life is really defined by their relationship with God. When a man or woman has a true relationship with God, everything and everyone in their life is in proper balance.
The prudent person makes adjustments to ensure their relationship with God is right. To walk with God is not just the beginning of wisdom, it is the purpose of life.
When we walk with God, every other thing and every every relationship has meaning.
Eccl 12:9-
Are you Prudent, walking with God? Or are you Simple walking away from Him thinking you will figure it out when you end up where you didn’t want to be?
12 A prudent person sees trouble coming and ducks; a simpleton walks in blindly and is clobbered.
6. Trust God in the journey.
9 I was a wise teacher with much understanding, and I collected a number of proverbs that I had carefully studied. 10 Then I tried to explain these things in the best and most accurate way. 11 Words of wisdom are like the stick a farmer uses to make animals move. These sayings come from God, our only shepherd, and they are like nails that fasten things together. 12 My child, I warn you to stay away from any teachings except these. There is no end to books, and too much study will wear you out. 13 Everything you were taught can be put into a few words: Respect and obey God! This is what life is all about. 14 God will judge everything we do, even what is done in secret, whether good or bad.
