cchrisholland

Drunken decisions are less wise than sober, because thoughts are better without impairment.

Incidentally, the idea of clear, sober thinking is how Paul finishes up his thorough discussion of sin, faith, law, and grace (Romans Ch.1-11). Starting off chapter 12, he says to walk as “living sacrifices”, being transformed in thinking, and then gives these instructions for the disciple to ponder along the way:

“…not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.” – Romans 12:3b NKJV

Stop and consider the full meaning of grace. Without it there would be no hope of knowing God or serving Him; and as a servant in His Kingdom, there is only one rank…“Redeemed”.

How will you finish this statement today, “God has dealt with me…”?

Have you ever been asked for advice?

Or perhaps circumstances have compelled you to offer advice to someone not asking for it; like your child, student, subordinate, friend, or family member. Either way, when it comes to right and wrong, what should differentiate a follower of Christ’s counsel from random thoughts? After all, many people who don’t know Christ have years of life experience. What’s different about godly counsel?

The answer: It’s the “non-negotiable” parts of the conversation.

As disciples, we’re to look specifically to God’s Word for “framing” life experiences. And when we recount those experiences to others, they should also be framed by God’s Word. For example, Paul wasn’t shy about his Damascus road conversion, but he didn’t solely rely on feelings and emotions to put it in perspective either. He drew from the words of the prophets and patriarchs to frame it. He was always tying his points back to the scriptures. Consider his words:

“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”–Romans 10:17 NKJV

Whether it’s a feeling, a relationship, or an experience; look to God’s Word to interpret and process it. And when you give counsel, be sure to frame it according to God’s Word as well. It doesn’t necessarily mean you quote chapter and verse, but it’s about consistency with the principles of the Bible; and that’s when you know you’re giving “good advice”.

Clay pottery is a common artifact discovered in archeological digs.

It’s often valued for the clues it reveals about the ancient contents and who made it. Someone gathered the material, envisioned a designed, fashioned the clay, and fired it in an oven. The stories told by pottery pieces are about sourcing, purpose, creativity, beauty and more.

As disciples, we too are formed by the hand of someone who gathered the material, envisioned a design, fashioned the clay, and fired it in the oven. Afterwards, the challenge for the finished “pottery” is the “purpose” part. Sometimes, there’s a lack of understanding the role, but often time, it’s a lack of appreciation of the role, not the understanding of it. In those moments, it’s good to remember who did the creating, and who still has the power over the pottery:

“Does not the potter have power over the clay…?” –Romans 9:21 NKJV

Do you understand your role for this day? Do you appreciate it, or do you struggle against it? Are you working to fulfill your role in a way that honors Christ? Pottery should reveal clues about the Maker…