Most decisions in life aren’t about which is the “right” choice, but which is the “wise” choice. Wisdom goes beyond right and wrong, and illuminates which choice is best based on the complex realities of life. Join us as we seek and gain wisdom that benefits every area of our lives. You will learn the thinking processes that are an effective filter for all your decisions!

We all have distractions and temptations that come our way. They appeal to our emotions. Caving to the emotional draw may cost us our dream. How can we stay strong and focus on the big goal?

Message Notes

“Life is hard.
It’s harder when you’re stupid.”

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.
James 3:17-18

Learn to ask three vital questions:

• In light of my past experiences, is this a wise thing for me to do? 

• In light of my current circumstances, is this a wise thing for me to do? 

• In light of my future hopes and dreams, is this a wise thing for me to do

Complete honesty with myself, proactively deciding the story I want to tell,
is essential for a regret-free life.

My internal tension and disintegration may be an invitation from God to consider a higher purpose. I need to pause and consider my purpose.

We can ask all the questions and be on a great track,
but life offers many distractions to get us off track and our focus off the goal. 

You were running the race so well. Who has held you back from following the truth? It certainly isn’t God, for he is the one who called you to freedom.
Galatians 5:7-8

Distractions always appeal to our emotions, to the flesh. 

When my emotions get involved, it’s easy to justify going off the path. 

Distractions lower our defenses and raise our defensiveness.

A strong emotional pull is a red light, not a green light.

Focus on the goal.
Distractions and detours may keep you from your destination.

So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other...
Galatians 5:16-17

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.
Galatians 5:24-25

The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.
I Corinthians 10:13

THIS WEEK: 

• Download the Talking Points and discuss them with at least one other person.

• Make an accountability commitment for your areas of greatest distraction.

BOTTOM LINE: Distraction may keep you from your destination.
You can’t just start well. You must finish well.