But it occurs to me that we all struggle to say 'No!' to some things which we should avoid, and that makes saying 'Yes!' to other things more more difficult. Wise people seem to get it right. In our use of time, getting clogged up with the wrong stuff robs us of the ability to live fruitfully and well. How can we learn?
St. Paul was very clear in his directions to his friends in Ephesus. 'So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit.' (Ephesians 5.15-18)
Three times Paul says, 'Don’t'. That is a clear 'No!', and is the mark of the person who is wise.
There are many proverbs in our culture which tell us the same ting. 'Fools rush in', as the song says, and wonder why things turn out so badly. 'Look before you leap', 'try before you buy', 'count the cost' and so on!
Being wise requires that we act on each of those three 'Don’t' commands.
It takes time and determination to sort out what are the right courses of action. But when we open ourselves to the Spirit's wise and gentle wisdom, we shall find we are changed for the better. And that would be great!
Best wishes,
Best wishes,
Richard
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