Accept God's Wisdom

When the virtues of patience and wisdom are absent in a person’s character, one bad choice paves the way for another. It’s comparable to impulsively lying and then attempting to cover up the lie with more deceit. When a relationship becomes saturated with distrust, healthy intimacy becomes nonexistent.

It appears patience and wisdom were absent in Samson’s character, which paved the way for making one bad choice after another while trying to stay ahead of disaster. When he set fire to his neighbor’s fields as a means of showing revenge, these men came looking for him to even the score. They killed his former wife and her father by burning down their house.

These tragedies were preventable had Samson asked God for wisdom and then patiently waited to receive it. Listen to Proverbs 19:11. “It’s wise to be patient and show who you are by forgiving others.” If you’re in a cycle of making bad choices, ask God for wisdom, patience and understanding. Then wait for God to answer.  

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To be wise you must first have reverence for the Lord. If you know the Holy One, you have understanding. Wisdom will add years to your life. You are the one who will profit if you have wisdom, and if you reject it, you are the one who will suffer.

~Proverbs 9:10-12 Good News Bible

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Healing the Wounds of Life

It's impossible to fight the battles of life without being wounded. Most wounds include hurt feelings resulting from arguments or conflicts. Whatever the cause of the wound, it takes time to heal, and this involves patience and endurance. God does not protect us from conflict but will give wisdom for managing it.

Samson modeled impatience and lack of wisdom as he struggled to deal with conflicts that constantly pursued him. On one occasion he hid in a cave, fearing for his life after impulsively taking out his revenge on the Philistine people who, as a group, were not responsible for his anger and rage.

What prevented Samson from acquiring patience and wisdom were his arrogance and pride. He failed to understand that to be truly wise, he would have to harness his intelligence and passions and then redirect them toward what God would bless. God's word informs us that fear of the Lord is a prerequisite for acquiring wisdom. May this be your ambition and desire. 

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 I myself will tend my sheep and give them a place to lie down in peace, says the Sovereign Lord. I will search for my lost ones who have strayed away, and I will bring them safely home again. I will bandage the injured and strengthen the weak.

~Ezekiel 34:15-16 New Living Translation

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Uniting Patience with Wisdom

When living in an evolving, changing world, it's not easy to be patient. Lack of patience is credited with overreacting to minor issues. Boundaries of tolerance tend to fail as anxiety and worry increase. The more difficult it is to cope with life’s transitions, the more we need godly wisdom to flourish and survive.

Samson consistently came up short on patience and wisdom, which was responsible for his making unfortunate choices. Samson chose revenge for managing the crises he brought on himself. In his book, The Soul’s Natural Food, Jacob Anatoli declares that “wisdom cannot enter into the malicious heart."

 Patience and wisdom conjoined together make it possible to look at life’s joys and sorrows from God’s perspective. To receive wisdom, earnestly ask God for it. Commit to studying God's word so you can apply its wisdom to your life. Share what you learn to build confidence in God’s calling on your life. May God bless and strengthen you with patience and wisdom today. 

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 A wise man patiently restrains his anger and overlooks insults. This is to his credit.

~Proverbs 19:11 The Living Bible

 

The way to become wise is to honor the Lord; he gives sound judgment in all who obey his commands. He is to be praised forever.

~Psalm 111:10 Good News Bible

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Viewing Problems from God's Perspective

There comes a time in everyone's life when a particular problem evolves into a crisis, much to the dismay of all involved. A crisis is usually comprised of issues that were ignored over an extended period of time. Insight indicates the crisis could have been avoided had the initial problem been taken seriously.

Samson’s reactions to his failed marriage resulted in just one in a series of crises he encountered as an adult. Wisdom for living was not a virtue that Samson seemed to have possessed. He relied on his physical strength to cope with problems that evolved into full-blown crises. Common sense and social skills were not available to him for managing problems.

God's word indicates that wisdom has a spiritual quality ingrained in its fiber as well as intellectual and moral components. Wisdom enables a person to view life’s issues from God’s perspective. Enlightened by the Holy Spirit, wisdom directs a person to select the most productive means for reaching solutions to problems of life. 

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I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, would give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so that you may know what is the hope of his calling, what is the wealth of his glorious inheritance.

~Ephesians 1:17-18 Christian Standard Bible

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Pathway to Patience

God's word describes patience as a fruit of the Holy Spirit. A Fruit of the Spirit is a character trait or a virtue at work in us to produce good works. When we determine to walk with God, to know and love him, then the Holy Spirit produces in us patience as well as other godly virtues.

It appears that Samson lacked the virtue of patience, so changing his response to problems created by his passions and pride seemed unlikely. Patience builds up character and stifles anger, while subduing pride. Samson did not desire to wait on the Lord for guidance and direction but acted impulsively, plunging headlong into behaviors prompted by his passions.

Passion and pride have little tolerance for patience, which is indicative of a reluctance to permit the Holy Spirit to change us. Wisdom is required for insight, and God is willing give us wisdom when we sincerely seek it. Wisdom is the pathway to patience, so ask God to give you wisdom which provides tolerance for controlling impulsivity.  

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We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding…We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy.

~Colossians 1:9,11 New Living Translation

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Walk with God, not Evil

It’s important to realize that passion exists in partnership with pride. While it’s not entirely wrong to be proud of our achievements or those of our loved ones, it's important to acknowledge the role the Lord God plays in making achievements possible. God is consistently at work in our lives to bring to fulfillment his good purpose for us.

Samson often expressed passionate anger along with overwhelming tenacity to get revenge on those he blamed for his failures. Genesis 5 portrays Enoch, however, as a man who "walked with God", indicating he lived with an awareness of God's presence in every aspect of his life. In contrast to Enoch, Samson lived to satisfy his passions and pride.

Enoch's values derived from his walk with God, but Samson’s values were attributed to his ambitions and unbridled emotions. Be sure your ambitions and values are in alignment with God’s purpose and the way the Lord Jesus Christ would have you live. You will be blessed knowing you are secure in his care.

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O people, the Lord has told you what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

~Micah 6:8 New Living Translation

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Mercy – Not Revenge – Is Sweet

When Samson lost his new wife, he immediately responded by seeking revenge. Revenge for him was to burn every field of grain, all vineyards and olive groves of those who were the object of his rage. Revenge was not justice, but an act of violence meant to satisfy rage.   

In this state, Samson was driven to do what his brain instructed, no matter how destructive. In these moments of rage nothing can dissuade a person to change their mind. Only after the adrenaline subsides is it possible to make a limited analysis of what transpired.

When that moment arrives, fear creates the compulsion to hide, but Psalm 139 explains there is no escaping God's presence. "Where can I go from your Spirit Lord? You know all I do. You’re around me on every side; your powerful arm protects me." What God did to redeem and give us a new beginning and to free us from the bondage of sin, he did out of great love and mercy. Praise God for the love and mercy of Christ Jesus. 

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God was merciful! We were dead because of our sins, but God loved us so much that he made us alive with Christ, and God’s wonderful kindness is what saves you.

~Ephesians 2:4-5 Contemporary English Version

 

Let us therefore approach the throne of God with greatest confidence, that we may receive mercy for our failures and grace to help in the hour of need.

~Hebrews 4:16 Phillips – New Testament in Modern English

 

For if you forgive other people their failures, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you will not forgive other people, neither will your Father forgive you your failures.

~Matthew 5:14-15 Phillips – New Testament in Modern English

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Arrogant Pride and Passionate Anger

I'm sure Samson's parents were proud of him for several reasons. He was chosen by God to be a judge over the Israelites. What his parents’ guidelines and boundaries were for him as a child and adolescent can’t be known, but Samson’s lifestyle as an adult did not correspond with the lifestyle of one called to serve God with his gifts and talent.

Samson seemed unwilling to place boundaries on his angry impulses driven by violent thoughts. He was prideful and incapable of recognizing his complicity in the tragedies he experienced. He resorted to blaming others indiscriminately for his personal losses.

Unhealthy pride and passion victimized Samson by cutting him off from the potential God initially planned for him. Listen to Ephesians 4:31. "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander along with every form of malice. Instead be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as God in Christ forgave you.” What may seem impossible becomes possible with God’s help.  

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What do you think the Scripture means when it says the Holy Spirit, whom God has placed within us, watches over us with tender jealousy? But he gives us more and more strength to stand against all such evil longings. As the Scripture says, God gives strength to the humble, but sets himself against the proud and haughty.

~James 4:5-6 The Living Bible

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Amazing! Grace Can Transform Rage

On the surface it's often difficult to distinguish between pride that is helpful and beneficial and pride that reflects moral weakness. I'm proud to be an American, and I take pride in our democracy. I love to sing God Bless America and The Star Spangle Banner. However, there’s a dark side of pride that’s considered a deadly sin along with lust, anger, laziness, covetousness, envy, and gluttony.

Samson was not only prideful, but also afflicted with passionate anger that progressed into violence and rage. Rage is an altered state of consciousness that controls the person and is absent of consideration for consequences. When the deed is done and rage subsides, normal thinking may resume. Only at that point did Samson fear retaliation, but still he had no feelings of remorse or regret.

Perhaps that's why anger that has transformed into rage is considered a deadly sin. However, the redemptive powers of Christ Jesus can change the heart, mind and will of the vilest offender when there is submission to God’s amazing grace.  

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Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves. You lust for what you don’t have and are willing to kill to get it. You want what isn’t yours and will risk violence to get your hands on it. You wouldn’t think of just asking God for it, would you? And why not? Because you know you’d be asking for what you have no right to.

~James 4:1-3 The Message

For God has revealed his grace for the salvation of all people. That grace instructs us to give up ungodly living and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this world.

~Titus 2:11-12 Good News Bible

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Playing the Blame Game

One of the most important features of maturity is the quality of character that accepts personal failure instead of blaming others or some inanimate object. When a marriage fails, a predictable response is to blame a former spouse, relatives or anyone who interfered with the peace and stability of the marriage.

 
 

Each person must ask, "What did I fail to do or deliberately do that caused the relationship to fail?" When Samson’s marriage failed, his response was to seek revenge. Sorrows overshadowed by rage prevented him from taking responsibility for the failed marriage. Passion for revenge and false pride concealed his immaturity.  

Getting even with those he blamed for his humiliation clearly defined his mental and spiritual state. When anger reaches this intensity, listening to rational voices from God and others is essential. Should this be your experience, go to God's word or perhaps a Christian counselor for understanding and wisdom. Force yourself to apply the alternatives to anger and hate that you will discover.  

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For we are each responsible for our own conduct.

~Galatians 6:5 New Living Translation

 

If you don’t confess your sins, you will be a failure. But God will be merciful if you confess your sins and give them up. The Lord blesses everyone who is afraid to do evil, but if you are cruel, you will end up in trouble.

~Proverbs 28:13-14 Contemporary English Version

For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, inspired by the devil. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure and full of quiet gentleness. Then it is peace-loving and courteous. It allows discussion and is willing to yield to others.

~James 3:15,17 The Living Bible

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What Rules Do You Follow?

Everyone lives by rules that govern their thoughts and behaviors. These rules may be well-defined or just hanging loose in your sub-conscious. Some rules include perfectionist tendencies for safeguarding your integrity. Always being kind and generous, while difficult to do, is practicing the Golden Rule.

A successful college career requires persistent learning and good grades, but honesty and integrity are mainstays for healthy self-esteem. These attitudes and actions build self-respect and confidence. Sampson’s rules for life were based on pride and self-centeredness. He advocated taking shortcuts to wealth and fame, but instead built a bridge to failure and disgrace.

Do the rules you follow produce joy and peace or create anxiety and worry that generate conflict anchored in destructive pride? Rules that assure faithfulness and integrity with respect for others and oneself build a bridge to healthy and secure relationships. God's wonderful imperatives demonstrate his love for you.  

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Are there any of you who are wise and understanding? You are to prove it by your good life, by your good deeds performed with humility and wisdom.

~James 3:13 Good News Bible

Point out your rules to me, Lord, and I won't disobey even one of them. Help me to understand your Law; I promise to obey it with all my heart.

~Psalm 119:33-34 Contemporary English Version

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Avoid a Fall into Failure

Failure and defeat are as much a part of life as are success and victory. As a child I had difficulties learning to read, spell and articulate. Remedial reading programs did not exist, but by the fifth grade I had taught myself to read. Today, these issues are diagnosed as a form of dyslexia.

While some failures and defeat are beyond our control, others are caused by inattention or irresponsibility. Pride is often used an excuse to compensate for a weakness that has in its composition the ingredients for failure. Pride prohibits confession of weaknesses for fear of revealing hidden feelings of inferiority.

Sampson’s pride barred him from admitting personal weaknesses. This attitude laid the foundation for his undoing and disgrace. Proverbs 11:2 warns, "When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom." Isn't it wonderful that humility and wisdom are safeguards against pride? Make humility your priority so God can bless you with wisdom. 

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Before his downfall a person's heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.

~Proverbs 18:12 Christian Standard Bible

The Lord guides us in the way we should go and protects those who please him.

If they fall, they will not stay down, because the Lord will help them up.

~Psalm 37:23-24 Good News Bible

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Faith: Rx to Prevent Failure

At some level during everyone’s lifetime, failure is immanent. Like stress, it’s only a matter of time until it occurs, but then how it’s perceived will determine if it is an unmanageable disaster or a learning opportunity. On one occasion the disciples of Jesus were unable to heal a young boy who was suffering from seizures, but Jesus immediately healed the boy.

Perhaps lack of faith can be linked to many failures. Although Sampson was ordained by God to be a judge of the Hebrew people, he failed to gain their respect and trust. God gave him unusual strength, but he failed to use it in ways that honored God.

Samson appeared to be out of step with God most of his life, ensuring failure. He permitted greed and lust to push God's purpose for him into a secondary place. The Lord God desires to increase your faith so you have confidence to do His work. Unflinching faith in Christ Jesus generates victory rather than failure and defeat. 

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Faith, you see, can only come from hearing the message, and the message is the word of Christ.

~Romans 10:17 Phillips – The New Testament in Modern English

Keep on obeying this message; do not merely listen to it, and so deceive yourselves.

~James 1:22 Williams – New Testament in the Language of the People

My friends, consider yourselves fortunate when all kinds of trials come your way, for you know that when your faith succeeds in facing such trials, the result is the ability to endure. Make sure that your endurance carries you all the way without failing, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

~James 1:2-4 Good News Bible

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