Jess likes money. In her brief 4½ years on the planet, she has already learned that she can play her aunts and uncles for spare change. Cuteness and intelligence comprise a formidably lucrative combination. Her parents, quite naturally, are concerned over this. “Don’t ask for money,” they tell her. “You should earn it by doing chores.”
One day Jess discovered that a friend had received money from the “tooth fairy.” Jess headed straight to her dad’s toolbox and returned with a pair of pliers. Pointing to a tooth, she said, “This one’s loose.”
It was not. But the family got some great photos of Dad faking that he was “pulling” the tooth from Jess’ mouth. No doubt she would have quickly reconsidered her business transaction if she realized just how much pain that dollar would have cost. Some bargains just aren’t worth it.
How prone we are to seek an unwise route to an otherwise worthy goal! Adam and Eve coveted a knowledge whose nature they didn’t comprehend. Their shortsightedness resulted in the cursing of all creation (Genesis 3:1-24).
The trend has continued throughout history. Peter chose a violent response to the problem of Christ’s arrest in the garden (John 18:10). Had he been successful in his “defense” of Jesus, no sacrifice for sin would have been made. Jesus (once again) rebuked Peter, saying, “Put your sword back into its sheath. Shall I not drink from the cup of suffering the Father has given me?” (John 18:11).
Peter saw a problem and thought he knew the solution. He didn’t. His willingness to fight for Jesus was admirable, but highly misguided. He would have exchanged the life of Jesus in opposition to God’s perfect plan to rescue His fallen creation.
Not all commitment is prudent. Not all sacrifices are wise.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Genesis 37:1-36
More:
Genesis 16:1-15 gives a fascinating account of Abraham’s attempt to help God fulfill His promise to him. What was the result?
Next:
What long-term benefits are you potentially sacrificing by shortsighted decisions? What good commitments have you made recently? Why were they good?
mike wittmer on January 21, 2014 at 9:20 am
“Not all sacrifices are wise” is an excellent point. It’s not just the means, but the end that determines right and wrong. I’m going to think more about this today.
Roy L C on January 21, 2014 at 11:42 am
It’s interesting that “Our Daily Bread” post today has the apostle Peter’s own words. He mentions how we should speak or serve with praising God in mind, 1Peter 4:11. Clearly after Jesus sent The Helper to his followers Peter was a changed man.
tom felten on January 21, 2014 at 11:58 am
God has given us His Word, the Holy Spirit, and mature believers in Jesus to help us make wise decisions. Whenever I rush things and don’t consult these gifts He’s given, the end result isn’t pretty!
alli on January 21, 2014 at 12:06 pm
It never works trying obtain the right thing the wrong wsy never works it never works. Ive seen ppl go thru all kinds of stuff to obtain a desire, which may or may not been Gods will for them. Sometimes its His will sometimes its not. But when you take matters into your own hands its never the desired result God wants. Sometimes you usurp God getting glory when you try to do it.
tgustafs on January 21, 2014 at 12:33 pm
Yes, alli, and sometimes I’ve been that person! I’m so glad He’s always there to pick me up, just like Jesus did with Peter.
Ironic that Our Daily Bread uses 1 Peter 4 today. 🙂 More evidence that Christ is the one who restores!
Roy L C on January 21, 2014 at 3:44 pm
I’m that person too. You’re reflecting some of the impressions I gleaned from the devotions today. Thanks for sharing. We have so much to be thankful for!
tgustafs on January 21, 2014 at 4:39 pm
Roy, all I can do is express my gratitude to God for His incredible grace and love!
Winn Collier on January 28, 2014 at 8:02 pm
“not all sacrifices are wise” – that’s a potent line, Tim.