We Can Be Dumb

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. (Matthew 6:19, NLT)

We can spend a lot of time in our lives doing nothing. Seriously, there are things that take all of our time and attention which will have no lasting value at the end of our lives. Why do we waste our time? The first thought that comes to mind is that humanity can be dumb. I said it. I stand by it. We can be dumb. Princeton's online definition states to be dumb is "to be slow to learn or understand." Study the lives of people in the Bible, history books, or in today's newspaper . . . the word dumb may be an adjective to describe some things that we human beings can do.

The thing is, Christ made it clear in Matthew 6 that we could waste our time on earth. And . . . because humanity can be rather slow to learn and understand, we must be careful to evaluate our thoughts that lead us to say and do things that will either be of value or will dissipate at the end of our lives.

We are given guidelines in Philippians 4:

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-- think about such things.
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-- put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (8, NIV)

We need to intentionally filter our thoughts before putting our thoughts into action.
The result? We will know that what we are doing on earth matters . . . investing our time on things that have value . . . receiving the peace of God that will remain with us.

Filter your thoughts through the Philippians 4:8 grid.
Think before you take action.
Receive the peace of God.
Learning with you to think before taking action,
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)