I wonder why
people who punish a child for lying will tell the same child, “Just say I’m not
home.” I wonder why people can disregard thoughtless things that are said at
work, by friends, or in a store, but not if the same things are said by someone
at church. I wonder why so many feel free to skip attending worship for things
they wouldn’t dream of skipping work to do. I wonder why it’s a compliment when
a man is sensitive, but an insult to say he’s emotional. I wonder why people
who wouldn’t dream of stealing money from the collection plate think nothing of
skipping their contributions toward work for the Lord. Or why do people who
expect the church to always be there for them when they are in need, give their
money to other organizations instead? Odd, don’t you think? I wonder why those
who work the hardest in the church, give the most consistently in serving the
needs of others, are the ones who appreciate the church the most – but those
who don’t and give the least, find the most fault. I wonder why parents who
wouldn’t dream of letting their children decide for themselves whether or not
to attend school, go to the dentist or wear decent clothes, think it is proper
for them to decide for themselves whether to attend Bible school, church, and
youth activities. I wonder why other people’s sins are always so much worse
than our own. I wonder why other people’s children are so bad, but our own are
so cute when doing the same things. Or why is it the fault of other children’s
parents when the children do wrong, but our own do wrong in spite of having
taught them better. I wonder why people who say, “I can quit any time I want
to,” can’t. Or why do people keep themselves enslaved to a habit in order to
prove their independence. I wonder why people who stand before God and vow,
“Till death do us part,” later decide that means, “till the going gets tough”
or “till I find someone I like better.” I wonder why people apologize to the
preacher when he hears them use the Lord’s name in vain. Doesn’t it seem they
should be apologizing to God? I wonder how long after death it takes for the
atheist to discover they were wrong. I wonder how long it takes for those who
decided to “end it all” discover they actually just started it all? I wonder
why the fertilized egg of a sea tortoise is deserving of all the protection of
law given to an adult sea tortoise, but the fertilized egg of a human, or a
live baby unborn has no such rights. I wonder how much time we’d have for
things we need to do, ought to do, if entertainment media disappeared. I just
wonder about a lot of things, don’t you? I wonder if God doesn’t wonder a lot
about us too. I wonder if He’s amused, or if He just sadly shakes His divine
head in disgust. I wonder - does God cry?
[Psalm
34:11-16] We all face important decisions. These decisions will often have a
great impact on us and our families. It may be a question of what job to take,
or where to live, or what school to attend, etc. What should we do? Does God
offer any help or guidance in making such decisions? The answer is “yes”! How
does God give us guidance? Through the Word. The vast majority of
answers are found here. They are positive commands that tell us what we should
do. Matthew 28:19 instructs us to teach the gospel to others. One doesn’t have
to wonder if God wants us to speak to your neighbor about salvation. There are
also negative commands to tell us what to avoid. (Ephesians 4:25-32) God’s Word
guides us in righteous living and provides us guidance as to what pleases God.
Christians are to be consistent in prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17). God
promises to answer our prayers (1 Peter 3:12). If you don’t believe this will
work, then don’t bother to ask of God (James 1:6-8). Through the counsel of
others. (Hebrews 3:12-15, Galatians 6:1-5) Others can help in our decision
making but remember each one of us must answer for ourselves one day.