Lent 2010.2

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Stop, Look, and Listen.


This morning Abigail went for her first bike ride of the year. She loves biking and is quite good at it so I was confident about letting her go down the street ahead of me. But I still reminded her to slow down and look before she crosses any intersections. Later on, I was praying about something I felt I didn't know how to do and I sensed the Lord saying to me, "Look to My Word, Listen to My people and My Spirit" as a way to learn. The old safety phrase came to my mind - Stop, Look, & Listen - and I wondered how it could apply to our spiritual lives, especially during this Lenten season.


Here's what I've come up with. It's rather metaphorical but I hope you get the idea. And if you have another perspective on this idea, please share with us.


As we are travelling through the journey of our life with God, it's important to take time to stop, look, and listen when we are about to step into any sort of potentially dangerous zone for our souls. (What would be the equivalent of "crossing the street" with the danger of getting hit by a car?)


Stop. Don't just rush into things. Take a moment before the Lord. If doing this is His will, slowing down for a couple of minutes (hours, days) will be okay. Don't rush into things that may be dangerous.

Be willing to take the time to:


Look. Get perspective on your life. What is really going on here? Why am I on this path? Why do I think I need (or want) to head into this situation/relationship/habit/etc? Can I see the evidence of God moving in this situation? Do I see fruit manifesting in me and others when we are in this situation (if you've taken this path before)? Can I see any ramifications that would be damaging to me and others?


Listen. Go to God's Word and seek our His directive. Get counsel from godly people. Pay attention to what the Spirit is saying to your spirit. Reflect on what you hear and then truly listen by acting in obedience.

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