A man who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy. (Proverbs 29:1, NIV)
So we’ve come to that Monday. The one after the last PGA Tour event of the year. The one that has some guys giggling and others in tears—and all among them considering what the results of this year mean for their career ahead.
Life is a series of reassessments and adjustments—to work and wealth, among family and friends, in one’s home and one’s country. In fact, while the PGA Tour is limited in its effect on American humanity, most other Americans find themselves at the beginning of the first full week after last Tuesday’s presidential election, and they too are considering what’s next. One Las Vegas business owner told a radio talk show host late last week that he was laying off 22 of his 100+ workers in anticipation of the costs associated with business under the re-elected administration.
Those of you reading in international reaches, forgive the U.S. focus here, but you surely recognize similar days and weeks in your own nation. There too you have found yourself amidst times of greater and lesser political circumstances requiring a modification in the way you view and live your life. Anyone who is aware of the times—whatever the times and places may be—will lean back in their chair and wonder what the next move is.
Apart from the times, however, the follower of Jesus must reassess and often repent (turn in a Godward direction) according to the prompting of the Lord. To not do this—to not listen when the call to correction comes our way—is, according to Solomon’s proverb for today, to walk the road to disaster.
So where do we hear the voice of the Lord, those words of rebuke and guidance?
First, in prayer. How consistent and how quiet are your prayers to the Lord? Consistency increases your opportunities before him, in the same way that another few holes on the golf course improves your chances to add another par or birdie. And quiet makes way for hearing God’s leading as he moves your spirit toward his.
Second, in study. The Word of God remains living and active (Hebrews 4:12). It will cut to the quick as it is designed to do—“teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). Dig in to the Word and know God’s very breath exhaled into you.
Finally, in counsel. God made the body of Christ to be one another’s ministers, and among that ministry is the wisdom of brothers and sisters who have lived and learned ahead of us. We need their insight as it comes from the Lord. Never be afraid to re-examine your life according to the counsel of a faithful friend in Christ.
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Jeff Hopper
November 12, 2012
Copyright 2012 Links Players International
The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.