Growing Up in Christ to Make Better Decisions

If I may ask, then why the Bible says we should not depend upon our own understanding that in all our way we should ackloledgem him?

I have believed for many years that the most healthy progression in maturing is dependence leading to independence and finally maturing into interdependence. There is a serious problem with those who don't progress (mature) to the third level.

Michael Q Pink, I really appreciate your website and holy sales training endeavor. Here I am in sales, the last type of work I would've ever thought I would be doing, let alone enjoying. I'd just like to add that it is amazing how many folks feel the need to over-analyze and pick apart every tidbit you share as if YOU were a wolf ! I was looking forward to your morning insight as I start the workday. Now it seems you are already having to use the slot to defend and prove yesterday's statement. Yes, we all need to be careful, especially these days. But we are commanded to go into the world and be the Lord's rep. It's the Holy Spirit's job to guide us in all Truth (and He does it well). If we are all aware of the times, let's get busy with our work and let the Lord separate the wheat from the chaff.

I agree with Gail.Wish you would go back to the daily insights.It makes our day more worthwhile having to mediate on something worthwhile in just 4 lines than delibrate and move in the theological directions and end up like the pharasees.who knew everything but didnt see the Lord himself move amidst them . The Holy sprit is gracious to lead people to understanding suited for them as the situations demands.There are enough teachers and preachers already dealing with that aspect of scripture.There may be a variety of interpretations,which may all go well depending on what the context is.In the family context it would mean one thing,in the business realm another, and in the social relam yet another(not necessarily always though). A word in season was your mail.Now its looks like word for a season! In all your getting get understanding

David When the Bible tells us not to depend on our own understanding, I believe we are being encouraged to seek God's wisdom (James 1:5) AND TO USE THAT WISDOM. I don't believe the intent is for us to abdicate all responsibility for thought and sit back waiting for God to solve all of our problems. God made us in his image, not as dumb animals. If we take the scripture you quote in isolation, the logical conclusion is that reading God's word is pointless because we would be mislead into trying to understand it! Michael I want to encourage you to continue to be lead by the spirit in your writing. I find this format stimulating and thought provoking, far more so that a daily quote that is forgotten with the next ring of the phone. It requires more thought on my part and that can't be a bad thing.

Thank you for your input and support. OnMonday we resume with the Genesis Model: What the 7 Days of Creation Teach us About Business. This is a new format for me and highly interactive. I believe in my desire to treat each posting with sincerity and kindness, I have gotten off the point of developing the topics I set out to do. The blog is a great place for us to digress but the daily coaching email will continue on with a more consistent business application of Scripture. Also, please excuse the problems we have had with the site. Our server has been causing us great problems which shall be resolved, God willing by this weekend. Blessings to you all!

Michael, what a great explanation. I remember my Dad told me a story long ago that reminds me of exactly what you are talking about - growing up in the Lord. He told me of a father who was a master carpenter teaching his young son how to build. He began by letting him observe and listen to him as he planned, prepared, and built many pieces of furniture. He let him look over the plans and taught him how to figure the right measurements, he allowed him to observe the different stages of making a piece of furniture and then he let him see exactly how he, the master carpenter put the pieces together to complete the project. The son loved watching and listening to his father. As the son grew the father allowed him to hold the tools and feel the wood, sometimes letting him use the tools to cut the wood. Little by little the father allowed the son to experience more and more of the projects until finally...the son, as he grew into adulthood, he allowed him to draw his own plans, prepare the his own wood, and make his own pieces of furniture. Of course, the Father was always there to oversee, give guidance, encourage and give praise. The son knew his father was always available to help, give instruction, and encourage. But, in adulthood the Father expected the son to know how to use the tools, cut the wood, and assemble the furniture. He would never expect the son to ask \"how do I use the saw, Father.\" As the son matured he was expected to know the fundimentals and seek the Father when new specific design patterns were needed. My Dad said this is how God is with us, he wants us to learn from him and grow and move beyond the elementary things of our faith. We must grow up to serve in this world where people are looking for expressions of the Father's love in practical, everyday living. Thanks so much for your ministry! Blessings, Becky

I too struggled with how much I was to do and how much I was to rest in the Lord for His move.... until the Lord showed me proverbs.. Proverbs 22:6: 6(A)Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it..... the Lord as our Father trains us .. to where we should go... renewing our minds in Him...what Michael stated is right on... \"sonship\" and be joint-heirs with Christ ruling and reigning with Him and that takes spiritual maturity, not independence.%u201D we take baby steps as babies... but when we are matured we should be able to walk on our own... but with our eyes on Him... after all Christ said He does nothing except what He sees the Father do.....

Or, to look at it another way, some things of the faith & life are to, over the years of our growth in Christ, become much like our autonomic system of breathing, etc...till we do those things without having to think about them. We & the Holy Spirit have so conditioned us we just automatically react in certain ways when confronted with basic things. Only then, when tougher, more complex life choices come up do we have to spiritually, mentally & emotionally consult the Scriptures & search our hearts to reach a decision of the right path to follow. Regards in Jesus, Dale

This is correct. God does want us to be dependant on Him but He gives us the tools (i.e. The Word) to help us make better decisions. Revelation comes by hearing and reading the Word. Discernment comes after revelation.

Independence is vanity, and anything that is not relying on the Lord is self centered or putting ones self ahead of our Lord. Good word today. May the Lord continue to bless and lead you into His truth. I hope your software and equipment, etc are working better and I pray running smoothly. We pray your calendar is open for His refreshment and renewal. Our prayer is that the Holy Spirit is leading and guiding you. It seems that we need His anointing and leading more and more. This makes it possible for us to know we are in His will and doing and saying what He considers important and to have eternal value. I believe people will see the anointing in us when we are truly doing the Will of the Lord for our lives. Cheers to the one who provides us with real abundant life.

Michael, glad to read you will be returning to the daily message program. The blog is very interesting, interactive and easy to get caught up in for a few people. It serves a great purpose for those who wish to speak their mind, expand on thoughts and get some answers for those who have the writing skills and time to do so. If the daily is a continuation of a blog conversation you never saw it doesn't make much sense. Thanks again for seperating the two and allowing those of us who look to the daily coaching as inspiration, application for daily events, Christian business advice and good food for thought to have that resource. Make it a great day.

I agree with your email, God gave you a Brain USE IT!

I am the BRAIN Commentator. Let me explain......I have a christian friend who does not believe she can use her brain when it comes to scripture. Her house is full of junk from yard sales and auctions, she is overweight ( and defends God Loves her no matter what and he does), she is divorced and chasing a christitan man for 8 years who has no intention of marrying her ( and told her so many times, while he is off to AZ for 6 mos every year) she looks like a wreck, her car is a wreck and filthy, yet she is always so terribly lonely and sad. She refuses to listen to reason and stubbornly believes she doesn't need to change. She has a codendant attitude about her dependance on the Lord and yet nothing changes. Its her will not her spirit that needs changing. We have told her God gave her a brain with common horse sense. Read all the word, process and apply it...don't make excuses, don't procrastinate and please don't spiitulaize what you are not willing to do.