Category Archives: Biblical Wisdom

A view on why we are still here (Heaven – Can’t Wait)

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“Why haven’t we gone to Heaven yet?” We were driving to grab a bite to eat and from the back seat out of nowhere came the frustrated question from my five year old. She then said, “I have already been waiting my whole life, can’t we just go?”

First, I love that this is what was going through my child’s mind. We weren’t talking about Heaven at the time. We weren’t talking much at all. Listening to the radio, mentioning things that happened that day, nothing deep. Then BAM this expression of deep longing from a five year old heart. I suppose she is experiencing that which is described in Romans 8:21-25 (look it up.) Kylie loves to get lost in her own thoughts and occasionally we’ll get an expression like this that tells us where she has been. What a beautiful mind!

Second,  Have you ever asked this  (Why haven’t we gone to Heaven yet?) I have. I look around all the time and think. “Enough, will you come get us already.” My heart too often longs for that home I’ve ever known and can barely even begin to imagine.

So, what’s the hold up? What is He waiting for? I think the answer is me – maybe you: “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance - 2 Peter 3:9.” He doesn’t want to leave anyone behind . . . In the book, The Shack, Sophia (God’s wisdom) poses a dilemma to the lead character. Pick two of your children to go to heaven and two to go to hell. Name the ones you have decided to send where. Could you do it? I couldn’t. I couldn’t choose for either Kylie or Eli to go to hell. And I know that God’s capacity for love is so much greater than mine and so, he is patient. Waiting for you, for me. BTW – if you read the context   of the verse above Peter is writing to Christians . . . so maybe what God is being patient about is not so much my personal choice, but my following though with what he has asked me to do. You know, the whole “go ye into the whole world” sharing that the kingdom of heaven is at hand thing. Maybe he’s being patient with me, waiting for me to tell you and you to tell others . . . so that more of us can go. After all, which of your children are you willing to leave behind?

On a final note about which of your children would you choose to send to Hell. I couldn’t do it . . . I would end up with send me instead. And so did God – and so he did – through Jesus – for you, so you wouldn’t have to.

More than “ok”

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As a kid growing up did you get the impression that the world is a series of “right” and “wrong” choices?  That some things are “sinful” and somethings are “ok”?  That God’s main goal in the Bible is to teach us what’s sinful and what’s “allowed”?

If so, then here is something to consider.  Does God want us to do what’s “ok” or is he really hoping that we would be more than “ok”?

For example, most people would consider it a sin to kill yourself by jumping off a cliff…it’s not “ok”.  But standing on the edge of a cliff is not a “sin”…its “ok”….its just unwise.  Maybe God would like us to take it a step (or two) further and back away from the cliff!

Here’s another more detailed example:

A married business man is at work and he says “hi” to the secretary

…not a sin.

He buys her flowers for secretary’s day

…not a sin.

He is working late on a project and invites her to dinner

…not a sin.

She invites him over to her place for coffee….he accepts

…not a sin.

He has an affair.

SIN!

Notice how a series of “ok” things can end in a sinful act.

God is not calling us to do things that are “ok”….He is calling us to be wise!

Being wise is more than asking yourself  “Is this ok?”  Being wise is asking yourself:

“In light of my past experience, my present circumstances, and my future hopes and dreams, what is the wise thing to do?”

I was first exposed to this concept by my pastor, Andy Stanley of North Point Community Church.  He calls the statement above the “Best Question Ever”.

Next time you are debating what to do in any given situation, instead of asking yourself if its “ok”, kick it up a notch, ask yourself if its wise.

Ephesians 5:15-16 -Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

Blessings, BoB

PS – Hope that didn’t sound preachy…I am still learning how to live out wisdom in my own life.  I just thought this seemed very insightful the first time I was exposed to the idea and thought I would pass it on to all of you.  Please return the favor and send some of the wise things you have learned my way.  Thanks!

Proverbs 16:17-18 - The highway of the upright avoids evil; he who guards his way guards his life. Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.