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The Prudent Pause

By Tim Nichols

We live in a time in which restraint and self-discipline are not widely considered to be virtues.  Impulse guides behavior more than reason.  The gap between the impulse and the resulting action is sometimes so small that, to many, it seems not to exist.  Many seem to be willing to pronounce any act justified if the impulse that prompted it is in any way justified (Lorena Bobbitt, et. al.).

But we are accountable to God for our actions whether the world recognizes our accountability or does not.  When tempted to do a thing that is wrong we are equipped with the God-given ability to pause and think before acting.  What happens during that pause may have eternal consequences.  The Philadelphia Youth Study Center used to have this slogan:  "The difference between the delinquent and the non-delinquent youth is the pause between the temptation and the act."  The slogan is just as true if we delete the word "youth".

As we pause in the midst of temptation we ought to remind ourselves that we do not usually have to act swiftly.  We sometimes make rash decisions rather than allow ourselves to choose our actions or words slowly and deliberately (Proverbs 6:18; Romans 3:15; James 1:19).  Slow down.  Widen the gap between the impulse and the action.

Take the time to think about the earthly consequences of your actions.  How will your actions affect your family, the church, your friends, or your own reputation?  Do you want to live with those consequences?

Take the time to consider all of your options.  Under pressure we sometimes develop "tunnel vision".  We see only one course of action when, in fact, there are many options available to us.  Look for them.  At least one of your options will always be morally right (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Take the time to consider the eternal consequences (Revelation 21:8).  The fear motive may not be the "highest" motive in the rating system that some brethren use, but we ought to be grateful that God has revealed both his goodness and his severity (Romans 11:22).  If a knowledge of God's wrath helps us to gain one ounce of resolve to do right and avoid evil, then we ought to be pleased to have such knowledge. 

Take the time to contemplate the goodness of God.  He is the source of every good gift (James 1:17).  He loved you enough to give his son that you might have eternal life (John 3:16).  Pause to think of the debt of gratitude that you owe.

Pause to consider God's word.  It contains divine guidance that can keep you from evil (Psalm 119:9-16).  Sometimes in the midst of temptation, when tempers or passions are hottest, we search the Word of God less when we need it most.  It is during such times that we would do well to heed the words of our heavenly father who said, "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10).