Two-minute read.
Have you ever experienced a fool’s reckless, self-assured, and overconfident behavior? Not only have I had the pleasure of receiving a fool’s rant, but I must also confess, I have done the ranting. However, as I daily give my life to Christ, He has helped me become wiser and more cautious.
When we receive the grace given to us from the Cross, the Lord forgives our past sins but also teaches us from them. Ron and I went to dinner after a long day of working on his parents’ property, cleaning it out in preparation for selling. We drove a truck, pulling a trailer piled high with items for donation and trash. Because the restaurant’s parking lot didn’t have space for the double vehicle, we parked in a nearby lot.
“Where’s the truck?” One of us said when we left the restaurant. Without realizing it, we had parked in a tow zone, and during the hour we ate, they towed the vehicles. When we arrived at the facility to pick them up, we beat the tow truck to the garage. My anger flared, and I went off like a fool, a memory that still brings shame to my heart when I think of it.
But God has used that night to teach me wisdom and caution. Over the past decade, I have faced numerous other situations that have caused my temper to flare. However, knowing I never want to act like that again, I have learned to control my emotions, thoughts, and words more effectively. Although I haven’t reached perfection, I’ve come a long way since that starry night.
Following Jesus transforms our lives as we apply His teachings to our everyday situations. Responding with love takes help from the Lord to intentionally, and with self-control, not let our emotions and thoughts get the best of us.
Journal Question:
When have you responded foolishly?
How can you learn from those moments you let emotions rule you?
In what ways can you develop wisdom and caution today?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for giving us the wisdom to make the best decisions at any given moment. Please help us always love people with our words, thoughts, and actions. Let us become more like Jesus as we apply and live His teachings.
IJNIP. Amen
