I Did It My Way

Frank Sinatra has a song "My Way," which elevates the fact that he did life his way. I am amused how often we -- I -- say that we are willing to do whatever we need to do God's way and then do it our way -- my way. Jeremiah had to deal with the remnants of the people of Judah who claimed they wanted to do life God's way. They stated, "May the LORD be a true and faithful witness against us if we do not act in accordance with everything the LORD your God sends you to tell us. Whether it is favorable or unfavorable, we will obey the LORD our God, to whom we are sending you, so that it will go well with us, for we will obey the LORD our God."

And, they wait ten (10) days. Please note that this was not a moral issue. It was whether the remnants should stay in Judah (the others were in captivity in Babylon) or if they should go to Egypt where they wanted to go .

God's reply was simple: "Stay here in this land." But, the reality is that the remnant didn't want God's answer they wanted his blessing on THEIR decision -- Egypt. So, they lashed out at Jeremiah and Baruch (his scribe) saying, "You lie!" And, they went to Egypt.

I am amazed at the decisions that we make and then ask God's blessing (or forgiveness), as the saying goes it is easier to ask for forgiveness than permission. While it may be easier, the realty is that the consequences are far more reaching and devastating as we sow what we reap. There are areas in which we don't even need to ask, we just need to know his word:

1. Should I get drunk?
2. Should I marry this non-believer?
3. Should I cheat on my spouse?

There are wisdom areas. The Bible -- and proverbs in particular -- has a ton of wisdom in how we should do life (i.e. should I sign this note for a friend? Who should I go into business with?).

Then, there are the areas in which we need to listen and ask of him what is the wisest decision. Most of us, however, get stuck in the first two. And, if we aren't willing to do what God already has made clear (the first two), then how are we in a position to hear him in the last area?

We should be willing to do whatever God had made clear. And, we should be willing to listen on items that involve what is the wisest decision to make.

The story on the issue with the remnants ends with Baruch being upset that he is affected by the others decision (which, by the way, is important for us as leaders of our family or businesses -- we take people with us). God tells him: "I will give you your life as a reward wherever you go." That's it. Nothing else. He and Jeremiah have been faithful and the reward is his life. Of course, that is, his reward on this side of eternity.

When facing an important decision, ask God for guidance and direction, not blessing. And, for a moment today, ask God how you can store up rewards on the other side of eternity, that is where they count!