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“If you want to stop being a fool, stop loving the wrong things.”

A thought by Erwin Raphael McManus from his book, The Way of the Warrior (p. 47). The Crown Publishing Group. Kindle Edition. (Click on the book title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.)

That is a very good thing to stop doing, isn't it?

Erwin says, “(Have you ever noticed that fools always fall in love with the wrong people?) Second, realize that you were designed for God and that the health of your soul can come only by embracing his love for you. Third, recognize that the health of your soul is also an outgrowth of your love for God. Fourth, fuel the passion of your heart for all that is good and beautiful and true. And, finally, take the time necessary to nurture your desires and passions so that they reflect the heart of God himself.”

He goes on, “Solomon’s imagery, an unsharpened ax, is his way of reminding us that wisdom has the advantage of setting us up for success. The warrior spends their time refining their art, their craft, and their life. While maintaining a posture of humility, there is a continuous pursuit of excellence. The warrior understands that every manifestation of greatness has hidden behind it a life of discipline, determination, and persistence. For the warrior, the beauty is in the details. As important as it is to watch the tree fall, it is important to see the edge sharpened. The ax matters to the warrior. The ax is not what you have but who you are. If wisdom is the weapon, then your character is the edge. You cannot fight the great battles that will come before you if you have not chosen to fight the battle within you.”

He also says, “You must never forget that there is no more spiritual act than to choose. Before you swing your ax, choose your tree. Decide what your life is about; decide what is worth living for; find your intention. And no matter what may come, no matter what battles ensue, never relinquish your intention. The fool swings mindlessly and chops once at every tree that stands in front of them. The warrior understands that not every battle is theirs, that not every tree is meant for them. When you take your ax, choose your tree and keep striking until that tree has fallen. When you move with wisdom, you know your strength. You see when certain choices make you dull and when other choices make you sharp.

“There is nothing more debilitating than giving your strength to the wrong thing. When you live your life without intention, you make your edge dull. When you live a life of obligation, it steals from you your strength. Wisdom allows you to harness your strength. When you live your life with intention, you find your strength, and every time you strike the ax, you unexpectedly get stronger.”

That is so true.  Will you live your life with intention, will you decide what your life is all about?  When you do that you will find strength.  You really will?  So will you live with intention today?  Will strive to make wise choices and to love the right things?  Will you?

Yes, yes!
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