Seeds For Thinking

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

Scripture: "Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser; teach a just man, and he will increase in learning." Proverbs 9:9, NKJV

I place the two slightly curved pieces of wood between my fingers, positioning them carefully with my thumb and little finger lightly cradling them, and give my wrist a sharp snap. If I have done it correctly, they will respond with a bright 'click.'
They are called 'bones' -a type of percussion musical instrument, used to accompany a peppy tune with a clack-clickety-clack . . . If you know how to do it!
I am not a very good "bone player," but I have tried to learn the technique to carry on the tradition of the grandfather and uncle who bequeathed the 'bones' to me.
Simple, huh? Take two pieces of wood, place them between your fingers, and give them a shake. Hah! I enjoy handing them to people, especially students at the schools where our band sometimes provides demonstrations of old time instruments, and watching them try to imitate even my simple example.
I find that there are three typical responses to my offer to help them become a bone player: Some refuse to even touch them. Others make a half-hearted attempt, and hand them back.. And a few, a very few, make a serious attempt at mastering the technique.
Isn't that just like life?
You've done it; I do it all of the time in my "Seeds" writings. The Bible is full of proverbs and pithy sayings, of sympathetic Psalms, of parables and prayers. We offer advice on things to do, ways to solve a problem, how to overcome life's dilemmas, and fully expect them to get it 'right off the bat'. "Here, just do this, and you will be "playing along" in no time! R-I-G-H-T ! ! !
Desire plays a large role in learning something new, of course. Many people have a burning desire, but never move beyond the "wannabe" stage. Their dreams are never fulfilled. It is like sitting in a car, but never starting the engine. Keep in mind the axiom that, "If all you ever do is what you have always done, all you will ever get is what you have always got."
First, people must be willing to accept instruction without feeling that it is a rebuke or an unkindly act, an intrusion into their private lives. They must be an open vessel, ready (and wanting) to be filled.
Second, they must feel a need to learn, to make a change in their lives, before anything will make a difference, whether coming from you, or I, or the Bible. We might call this "conviction," the state of being convinced of error or compelled to admit the truth. A truly life-changing conviction often comes only when harsh reality strips away all other choices.
Finally, empowerment makes learning possible. It's like turning on the switch, or shifting into drive. The goal or destination beckons, the pathway to achievement is illuminated, and the process of learning begins.
January 14, 2007

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

* Decisions
* Scripture: Philip said, "Do you understand what you are reading?"And he (the eunuch) said, "How can I, unless someone guides me?" Acts 8:30-31a, NKJV

"Ignorance can be cured; stupid is forever!"
I can't help but chuckle at this bit of philosophical wisdom by a teacher friend of mine. It is one thing to be lacking in knowledge or comprehension about something, but some people seem prone to making bad (stupid) choices in spite of adequate knowledge of the probable outcome.
True wisdom is not found in merely accumulating knowledge, but in the ability to make correct decisions from the possible choices.
I imagine most of us learned pretty quickly that it is quite painful to touch a hot object, like a stove. That experience should impart knowledge about hot things. "Hot! Hot! Don't touch hot things." It shouldn't take too long before someone associates "hot" with probable pain. Knowledge accomplishes little if a person persists in choosing to touch hot things anyway.
"Thou shalt not steal." Seems pretty plain; if it belongs to somebody else, it is not yours. Taking it anyway is stealing! Except for maybe two-year olds, who work by a different standard. Hopefully, two-year olds grow up, and learn that many things belong to someone else. That standard bit of knowledge should be readily understood by all adults, but theft of the highest and lowest degree is rampant in society, judging by the news reports. Breaking the law is just plain stupid, in my book, yet many make bad decisions in spite of knowledge of the consequences.
Knowledge of the differences between good and evil does not by itself lead people to choose good over evil.
Philip was prompted by God to share the gift of instruction and enlightenment. The eunuch was open to guidance and willing to learn. As a result, he heard, and accepted, the good news of Jesus Christ, believed, was baptized, and went on his way rejoicing.
Contrast that with the rich young man who met with the Savior Himself, and went away sorrowful. (Luke 18:23) Or the many other people in the Bible who heard The Word, and chose not to believe.
Be ever open to instruction, always willing to share.
And pray that The Lord will spare us from making unwise decisions.
May 7, 2006