The Dangers of Acting On Our Own Understanding
Throughout the Bible, we encounter various characters whose actions serve as valuable lessons, showing us the dangers of acting on our own understanding.
One such example is Jephthah, a valiant warrior who faced a challenging battle against the Ammonites. In his desperation for victory, he made a hasty vow to God (a vow that God did not require or condone), promising that if God granted him success, he would offer as a burnt offering the first thing that came out of his house to meet him. Tragically, it was his beloved daughter who emerged first, leading to profound grief and sorrow (Judges 11:30-34).
Similarly, Moses' anger and impatience with the Israelites who were complaining about being brought into the desert with no drinking water, led him to strike the rock instead of speaking to it, as God commanded (Numbers 20:7-12). Moses took matters into his own hands, and his act of frustration and disobedience led to God barring him from entering the promised land.
King Saul, Israel's first king, also acted impulsively by offering a burnt offering to God when he felt pressured by the circumstances of impending battle (1 Samuel 13:8-14). Saul's impatience and failure to wait for the prophet Samuel's arrival resulted in God rejecting him as king, leading to a troubled reign and loss of the kingdom's future.
The Apostle Peter's impulsive nature is evident when he vehemently declared that he would never deny Jesus, yet denied Him three times during His trial (Matthew 26:33-35; Matthew 26:69-75). Peter's overconfidence in his own strength led to deep remorse and sorrow.
It is human nature to act impulsively, often driven by emotions or personal desires. Making impulsive decisions can lead us astray and into the turmoil of bad choices, resulting in great regret in our lives. The antidote to impulsive behaviour lies in humility and seeking God's guidance.
"Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom." Proverbs 11:2 (NLT)
Acknowledging our limitations and submitting to God's sovereignty allows Him to lead and direct our paths.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take." Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)
As we recognize our limitations and yield our desires to God and seek His guidance, we align ourselves with His perfect will and open the door to His transformative wisdom.
In spite of their flaws, Peter found forgiveness and restoration through Jesus' grace; Moses is remembered as one of the greatest prophets and leaders in history; and even Jephthah was blessed with many victories. Their mistakes serve as powerful reminders for us to avoid the dangers of acting before humbly seeking God's wisdom.
Let us learn from these examples by remembering to ask God for His guidance in everything we do. By doing so, we can avoid the pitfalls of impulsive choices and walk in alignment with God's purpose for our lives.