Seeing Ahead

We've all been there before.  We have been on one side or the other of a conversation in which it is said, "and then _____ happened right?"  And, depending on which side you are on you either say, "man, how did I miss that?" or, "how did he miss that?"  

And, of course, there are times when we are driving and we see a driver that is driving erratically, and we become "defensive" drivers.  This can mean even getting off the interstate so as to no be in the person's path.  We do it to avoid danger.  It seems like for me it is easier to see "danger" coming in the physical realm involving driving or something like that. 

For a moment, allow me to use some poetic license and define "danger" as the likely "bad" outcome if continuing on the same path or not making the wisest decision.  We call something dangerous because it can or does have an adverse effect on us.  So, then, not making the wisest decision can lead to "danger" or be dangerous.  

Proverbs 22:3 says, "A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it."  In the above examples, it is so simple for us to make the wise decision relating to driving.  And, we take refuge.  But, it is far more difficult to take refuge (make a wise decision) in the area of relationships, finances, and work to name a few.  My belief is that, at times, we are too vested in -- too close in emotional proximity to -- the circumstance to make the wisest decision.  And, some times the wisest decision is not the easiest decision.  That's where authentic relationships come in.  

I wrote about Acts 2:42 a few posts ago and the theme comes up again.  Proverbs 24:26 says, "An honest answer is like a kiss of friendship."  As I read that this morning, I thought this is how a prudent man sees danger.  He sees it in community.  He sees it with the "eyes" of friends committed to his success with whom he knows that an "honest answer is like a kiss of friendship."  

So, I am reminded how necessary it is to be in deep community with friends pointed in the same direction to do life with....even when the "honest answer" hurts.  The point of this passage isn't that the friend gives an encouraging or positive answer (though it may be one).  Rather, it is that the friend gives an "honest" answer.  And, then we must choose to receive it as a "kiss of friendship."  That doesn't mean that the friend should be callous.  Paul tell us to speak the truth in love.  But, a true friend speaks the truth.

I want to see danger and seek refuge.  And, I realize the need to have friends "seeing" for me and my being open to the honest answer.  God, help me to develop and foster these relationships.