Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should. The Bible says it this way, ‘Everything is permissible—but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible—but not everything is constructive’ (1 Corinthians 10:23 NIV).
I’ll say it again. Just because you can do it, doesn’t mean you should do it. Sometimes we put ourselves in situations where we’re just asking for trouble. We know we should walk away from some stuff, but like a moth to a flame, we’re attracted to it. But you better watch yourself. Don’t play with fire. Otherwise, you’ll end up consumed by some things and people you’ll desperately want to get free from. But, by then, it’ll be too late.
You may have heard the saying, ‘Trust your first mind.’ Often, your first thought is the right one. Not in every case, but often enough, you’re right about people and things. Why is it then, when a person or situation gives us pause, we shrug it off and talk ourselves out of what we already know?
We excuse and justify their behaviors. We make it okay for them to act certain ways. We convince ourselves that it’s not so bad. Please listen to me today. If you refuse to apply wisdom, you won’t make solid decisions. You’ll be easily swayed by your emotions; you’ll waver and end up buckling under pressure. You’ll let people in, who should be shut out. You’ll stay in denial about people’s character and tell yourself that you don’t see what you really do see.
Incredulous Take this bit of advice. Don’t EVER talk yourself out of what you see. If it walks like a duck and it quacks like a duck, chances are . . . that’s right, IT’S A DUCK! Let’s try another one: If he walks like a player and he talks like a player, chances are . . . come on talk to me now, HE’S A PLAYER! Awww . . . I’m not gone get no help right thur! You know I’m telling the truth. Don’t roll your eyes at my blog like that, I’m your friend!
Come on. Sit up straight. Fix your face. This is good teaching. You see, whenever you sense down inside that something is wrong about a particular person or situation, back away. Go to God. Seek direction. Ask His guidance. Pray for clarity. But, by all means, don’t just ignore the situation and move forward anyway. That’s a recipe for disaster.
Sometimes, when making choices, we unwisely ignore that ‘deep knowing’ or that ‘nagging voice’ that keeps telling us . . . don’t do it. I believe the Holy Spirit warns us. He tells us when we’re headed in the opposite direction on a one way street. If we don’t turn around, we’ll end up in a terrible collision.
Don’t ignore your Father’s voice. Heed His warning. Allow Him to steer you in the right direction, rather than trying to make moves on your own. Certainly, you’re an adult. You don’t have to listen. No one can make you do anything. You can choose whichever path you desire. After all, God has given us all free will. He won’t force us to listen. We, of our own volition, must adhere to sound wisdom and judgment. I can put the spoon to your mouth, but I can’t make you eat.
Whatever you choose to do, the fact still remains, just because you can do it doesn’t mean you should. Here’s another bit of wisdom for you.
Anytime the cons outweigh the pros, don’t do it. That’s a rule to live by. If you’re pondering whether you should make a decision and immediately the negative consequences are crystal clear in your mind, and the positives are nearly non-existent, you better listen to what you’re sensing.
I wonder; why don’t we listen to ourselves anymore? Why do we ignore the messages and signals God gives us? Even when we feel that something may be wrong about our choices, why do we forge ahead anyway? Why don’t we trust that the Lord speaks to us? Why do we second-guess ourselves so often?
C’mon, open your eyes and allow God to show you what’s right in front of your face. More importantly, when He shows you, don’t look the other way. Face the truth, don’t deny it, cut your losses, and move on. If you do, you’ll be better for it.
Will it be easy? Nope. Can you do it? Yep. Will you be better for it? Absolutely! Go ahead and swallow that bitter pill. It might not taste good going down, but it’s exactly what you need.
Until next time . . . may you be empowered to prosper!
© 2007 EEW Magazine. All Rights Reserved.
Dianna Hobbs is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Empowering Everyday Women Online Magazine, the premier online magazine for African American Christian women. This article is taken from Dianna’s highly popular blog series called, Dianna Hobbs: Empowering Everyday Women. It is circulated to thousands of Christian women in search of inspiration for their ministerial and entrepreneurial efforts. To receive these exceptional articles directly, simply log onto http://www.diannahobbs.typepad.com and subscribe to our email updates. To read EEW Magazine log onto http://www.eewmagazine.com

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