We’ve all done stupid things that look good until we put them into action. A bad date, investments, a lunch choice, or those few choice words that just slipped out that leave us saying, “That was just stupid.” Stupidity is thoughtlessness in action. Our society is riddled with thoughtless people. Religious figures, entertainers, officials, and governments seem more thoughtless than ever. We are a world of one thoughtless decision after another, and we’re to blame. We are the cause of our world’s thoughtlessness. Think about the countless decisions we make every day. How many choices send us down roads of justifications, excuses, and lies? Is there a way to turn our thoughtlessness into thoughtfulness? The Bible says, “yes.”
Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid. Proverbs 12:1 (NIV)
Lets take a look at Peter and see how his thoughtlessness was changed into thoughtfulness.
THOUGHTLESS
Read John 13:31-38, here we see Peter at his best – arrogant, prideful, and plain stupid. Peter argues with Jesus, wanted to rush into the fight, and attempts to determine his own destiny. Sound familiar? Every time we take charge of anything we are thoughtlessly stepping away from God.
THOUGHTFUL
Read John 21: 15-19, here we find Peter at his worst – broken, humbled, and yet, completely thoughtful. Peter listened to Jesus, didn’t have any fight left, and had no future without the love of Jesus. We need this. When we come to the end of ourselves we are ready to thoughtfully be lead by God.
God says,
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future… Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
So don’t be stupid…
Love the discipline of Scriptures.
Love the correction of the Spirit of God.
Love working it out in your daily life.
QUESTIONS
How is God prompting you to be more thoughtful?
How can you express what God’s taught you?
How can you share this with others?
C4 