Wisdom or Excuses?
God on Monday
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“Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven. But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, and I will not put the Lord to the test.” Isaiah 7:11 – 12
Reflection
Wisdom will take you far, says the Proverbs. However, excuses covered as wisdom will not.
Often in workplaces, we try to show our worth by proving how good we are at doing our tasks. When things seem like they are falling apart, we can lose sight of the bigger picture. So we cut corners or associate ourselves with those who seem to be powerful and wise - even if those friendships may be costly in the long run. Worse still, we find excuses for our shortfalls.
In our passage from Isaiah, Ahaz, king of Judah, is threatened in his role by Rezin of Aram and Pekah of Israel. This causes Ahaz to fear and question his faith. Through Isaiah the prophet, God invites Ahaz to ask for any sign to assure him of God’s presence and assistance towards victory. Ahaz’s response sounds like wisdom, yet underneath, it is an excuse - his mind was set on having an alliance with the Assyrians.
In our various duties, when we feel afraid or threatened, from where do we seek help? In what ways have we been like Ahaz in making excuses and doing what we know might not be wise while trying to convince ourselves it is a leap of faith?
The scriptures remind us that wisdom is calling on the God who is always watching over us, ready to hear and answer. Just as God invited Ahaz to ask, God invites us to do the same. By doing so, our faith and trust in God get strengthened, and we become walking testimonies.
Response
God is full of grace and second chances and invites us to respond. As you begin your week, what things are you fearful about? In what areas have you been making excuses or have lost sight of the big picture? Set time aside to ask God for help and for signs of God’s presence with you in the things you do.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for the invitation to come to you when we are afraid or feel threatened. Grow our wisdom so that it may be pure. Amen
Next Steps
When making decisions, filter through to see when a decision might be motivated by fear or driven by a threat. Develop the habit of involving God in everything you do.
This Week's Author
Tariro Matsveru, Assistant Curate at All Saints Church, Kings Heath in Birmingham
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God on Monday is produced in partnership with the Church of England. The reflections are based on the scriptural readings designated for the coming Sunday in the Church's lectionary. You can sign up to Faith in Business here to receive each God on Monday instalment.
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