Avoidable Pain

"The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception." Proverbs 14:8

Pain is inevitable in life—but some pain can be avoided with proper preparation. There is no need to add unnecessary pain to relationships with unwise decisions and foolish behavior. For example, in marriage it takes much more than a grand wedding to create a great marriage. Promises need the backing of preparation to carry out commitments.

Wise couples get beyond the emotion of romantic love and become a student of each other. They truly accept one another for who they are, believe the best in their intentions and understand how to best communicate with their spouse. Pre-marriage preparation is a prescription for a productive and healthy life of marital maturity, however, ignoring past pain causes present pain. Avoid compounding pain by being healed of past relational hurt.

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16).

Furthermore, avoid the pain of regrets. Be wise not to create habits or routines that later cause guilt. For instance, during the parenting season of caring for your children at home—how will you adjust your schedule? Can you maintain a heavy travel schedule and be available for them? Will some hobbies need to be put on hold until a later date?

Be wise to not treat every season of life the same. Keep your commitment to Christ a constant, but be willing to flex toward the needs of those around you. People who avoid pain, actively pray for guidance from Almighty God. Indeed, pain will always be a part of life on earth; only in heaven are we pain-free. Fools rush into pain, as if they are some kind of misguided martyr. While the wise learn from pain—but avoid its unnecessary injury.

"The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps." Proverbs 14:15

Lastly, some pain is unavoidable—it is a product of yours or someone else’s poor decision-making. Do not wallow in self-pity—as a victim of a painful past. By God’s grace confess your sin of holding a grudge and get beyond your anger with forgiveness. Use pain as a platform to proclaim the grace and love of God. Avoid it by making wise decisions, but if faced with pain—leverage it for the Lord’s glory. Wisdom doesn’t waste pain.

"As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive” (Genesis 50:20, NASB).

How can I make wise preparations to avoid relational pain? What pain do I have in my heart that needs the Lord’s healing?

Related Readings: 1 Chronicles 4:10; Job 2:13; 1 Peter 5:10-12; Revelation 21:4

Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey

Evil Exposed

“Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.” John 3:20-21

Evil lurks in places like the dark crevices of a compassion-less living compound. It schemes to suck life from those who give life. Evil can endure for a season in seclusion, but eventually it will be exposed along with its hellish intentions. A corrupt character thinks it can get away with the obstruction of justice, however, payday does come someday.

Evil not only is an incubator for sinful deeds, but it attacks others with its vile consequences. It is consumed with conquering righteousness with unrighteous actions. However, evil cannot stand in the presence of Almighty God. Satan, the evil one, has been defeated—the roaring lion has been defanged by the word of God living in us.

“Because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one” (1 John 2:14b).

Beware, as evil tries to estrange you from the eternal truths of God’s word. Do not become cavalier with the truth and arrogantly think that it only applies to the less spiritual—those yet to arrive at your level of spiritual high mindedness. It is the sword of Scripture that keeps the enemy at bay and away from luring you into harboring sin.

Former good Christians have drifted out of the warm love of the Lord’s light into the cold character assault of the devil’s deceptions. He snatches the application of truth from proud hearts and leaves behind false promises immersed in self-denial. It’s a lie to think we can live part of our life in the light and part of our life in the darkness and not ultimately be exposed. What’s hidden comes to light—Christ uncovers cover-ups.

“He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart” (1 Corinthians 4:5b).

Do you escape from fear and worry by drinking too much alcohol? Has someone at work captured your affection in deference to your spouse? Are you driven to make money, as a remedy for past financial irresponsibility? Has the Internet become a playground for evil activity? If so, seek out the light of the Lord to lead you. Darkness cannot coexist in light.

Fortunately, you do not have to live in the fear of being exposed for hiding evil intentions and sinful attitudes and actions. Come clean with Christ and with those who love and admire you. Confession is good for the soul—it also brings authenticity back to your trust in Jesus Christ and transparency to your relationships. Humility walks with Christ on His lighted path. Walk in the light, as He is the light and have fellowship with one another.

“Let us walk in the light of the LORD” (Isaiah 2:5b).

What areas of my life need exposure to the love of the Lord and His illuminating word?

Related Readings: Job 29:3; Psalm 89:15; Matthew 13:19; 1 John 1:7

Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey

The Daily Verse on Influence

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. Colossians 4:6

Let this passage be an encouraging, yet sobering reminder of how your words affect those around you. What you say and how you say it can change someone's life.

Source: The Daily Verse by Kat Davis