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“Is there something others have been trying to help you see about yourself that needs to change?”

A thought by Craig Groeschel, from his book, Dangerous Prayers: Because Following Jesus Was Never Meant to Be Safe, Zondervan. Kindle Edition. (Click on the book title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book)

Is there?

Craig says, “Maybe some people have suggested that you play video games way too much. They are concerned that you have more to offer, that you are missing out on more important things in life.

“Perhaps someone has suggested that you drink too much. Or have a problem with pain medication. Or overeating. If more than two trusted friends or family members have suggested this, maybe it’s time to pause and pay attention.

“Maybe you have had a bad run at dating. Your friends continue to remind you that you are always saying yes to the wrong kind of person. Rather than defending your actions, perhaps it’s time to consider changing your patterns.”

He goes on, “In recent years, I finally had to pause and recognize something that was out of whack in my life. Several people suggested that I was a slave to my mobile phone. My wife, Amy, was the loudest and most outspoken. My kids’ sighs and rolled eyes spoke volumes as well.

“Before I took their loving observation seriously, my defenses kicked in. The expert rationalizer emerged. What I’m doing is important. To be a good pastor I have to be available to people. I’m leading a church and my opinion is important. My social media presence can be a good witness. I really need to see how my last Instagram post is performing and check to see if there are any comments needing my attention.

“You would think that hearing from Amy and my kids would be enough. But when a few people from the office mentioned it, my old seminary professor’s advice started to echo in my brain. So I decided to pray, Show me, God. See if there is an offensive way in me. Is this a problem?

“I was at my son’s soccer game when God answered my prayer. I was responding to a text and missed my son’s amazing corner kick that his teammate headed into the goal to take a 1–0 lead against the top-ranked team. Then late in the second half with the game tied 1–1 and a few minutes left to go, I missed my son’s game-winning goal because I was checking on a social media post.

“God showed me clearly: I was settling for a counterfeit reality and missing out on what mattered most. I was missing out on my life, losing precious moments with the people I love most.

He then says, “What about you? Is there something others have been trying to help you see about yourself that needs to change? Proverbs 12:15 says, ‘The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.’ Maybe it’s time to pause and listen. God may speak to you through those who love you most.”

Maybe it is time for you to pause and listen.  Will you? 

Yes, yes!
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