bad choices

As a leader, I am continually faced with decisions: What should I do? How should I do it? When should I do it? If I choose well, those I lead benefit, if I don’t they could suffer. Do you need to make wise decisions? Leading a “Centered” life involves making good calls and executing them with wisdom. Life can spin out of control on its own; I don’t need to add to that with poor decisions.

“So we have continued praying for you ever since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you a complete understanding of what he wants to do in your lives, and we ask him to make you wise with spiritual wisdom. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and you will continually do good, kind things for others. All the while, you will learn to know God better and better.” Colossians 1:9-10 (NLT)

A centered life requires friends who are prayerfully involved in your spiritual development. Paul prays for his friends to “understand what God wants them to do”. I have my share of moments where I don’t know what God wants. In these moments, it is important not only to pray yourself, but also to have others pray for you. God always seems to honor people who pray together about His will. He won’t hide His will, He will reveal it.

Spiritual friends can also be involved in making us “wise with spiritual wisdom”. In prayer and conversation with other people who have committed to center their lives in Jesus, a wealth of life experience is shared. Knowing what to do is one thing, knowing how to do it is another. Wisdom is the application of knowledge. Wisdom comes from two places: life experience or advice. This is why having a group of friends to pray and counsel with is so critical.

“All the while, you will learn to know God better and better.” The most inportant key to leading a Centered life is a growing relationship with God. Just simply setting aside time for Him each day. Praying friends encourage us in our relationship with God. He will give us understanding and wisdom. He is the Center anyway. Closeness with Him is Centeredness.

May you have some praying friends in your life. May you know God better and better. And with God’s help, may you make excellent choices today!

Chris