Some of the most frequent "thought generators" are the "clever" signs that we see at churches. Some churches use their message signs for useful things (announcements, schedules, etc.), but most of the churches in my area use them to be cute. They are constantly posting little sayings which they apparently think are really clever. These things are usually good for a few random thoughts, because they are so odd.
A church we pass on the way to our church had a new one recently. Here is what it said:
Seek God's wisdom now, avoid regret later.
This is one of those comments that can lead to a lot of thoughts.
First, of course, we would all agree that Christians are to seek the wisdom of God. The entire book of Proverbs is about seeking wisdom. James is about wisdom. Paul prays that people will receive wisdom. Wisdom is at the heart of the Christian life and hope.
But, secondly, the statement is terrible. The wish (for people to seek wisdom) is wonderful, the motivation (to avoid regret) could not be more in error.
Nowhere does scripture tell us to act so as to avoid regret. As written, the sign's advice is to seek wisdom in order to avoid regret. This is what we call "negative reinforcement" or negative motivation. Do this in order to avoid something bad. We have put up with this kind of motivation all our lives. We are told to exercise "to avoid heart attacks" and to eat correctly "to control high blood pressure." We are constantly told that things are going to be bad if we do not do what we are told to do. What a miserable way to live the Christian life (or any life).
God never uses "avoid regret" as a motivation. In fact, regret is not even a Christian attitude. God is not in the business of causing regret, but seeking repentance. Repentance is not regret. Regret is a self-centered sadness, the result of a person who wishes they weren't who they are. Regret is a misery. God never calls us to such useless, self-centered behaviors.
What we are called to is repentance. We will suffer sorrow, but not regret. Remember God's word to the Corinthians:
For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without
regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death.
2 Cor. 7:10. Why would I spend my life in regret? I am where I am, my duty to God is to live today where I am.
If you want to motivate people to seek God's wisdom, do not hold up the image of someone wasting their time in the future. We do not seek God's wisdom to avoid regret, but because it is wise. Seek God's wisdom is enough motivation on its own. Proverbs is willed with the value of wisdom. Wisdom will fill your life with meaning. Wisdom will keep you strong in times of temptation. Wisdom will show you God's way in your life. Wisdom is God's great gift to His people.
"Seek God's Wisdom" would be a much better sign than "Seek God's wisdom now, avoid regret later." Negative motivation is never the best option for the Christian life.
Positive motivation is much better.
How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather
than silver.
Proverbs 16:16.
A church we pass on the way to our church had a new one recently. Here is what it said:
Seek God's wisdom now, avoid regret later.
This is one of those comments that can lead to a lot of thoughts.
First, of course, we would all agree that Christians are to seek the wisdom of God. The entire book of Proverbs is about seeking wisdom. James is about wisdom. Paul prays that people will receive wisdom. Wisdom is at the heart of the Christian life and hope.
But, secondly, the statement is terrible. The wish (for people to seek wisdom) is wonderful, the motivation (to avoid regret) could not be more in error.
Nowhere does scripture tell us to act so as to avoid regret. As written, the sign's advice is to seek wisdom in order to avoid regret. This is what we call "negative reinforcement" or negative motivation. Do this in order to avoid something bad. We have put up with this kind of motivation all our lives. We are told to exercise "to avoid heart attacks" and to eat correctly "to control high blood pressure." We are constantly told that things are going to be bad if we do not do what we are told to do. What a miserable way to live the Christian life (or any life).
God never uses "avoid regret" as a motivation. In fact, regret is not even a Christian attitude. God is not in the business of causing regret, but seeking repentance. Repentance is not regret. Regret is a self-centered sadness, the result of a person who wishes they weren't who they are. Regret is a misery. God never calls us to such useless, self-centered behaviors.
What we are called to is repentance. We will suffer sorrow, but not regret. Remember God's word to the Corinthians:
For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without
regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death.
2 Cor. 7:10. Why would I spend my life in regret? I am where I am, my duty to God is to live today where I am.
If you want to motivate people to seek God's wisdom, do not hold up the image of someone wasting their time in the future. We do not seek God's wisdom to avoid regret, but because it is wise. Seek God's wisdom is enough motivation on its own. Proverbs is willed with the value of wisdom. Wisdom will fill your life with meaning. Wisdom will keep you strong in times of temptation. Wisdom will show you God's way in your life. Wisdom is God's great gift to His people.
"Seek God's Wisdom" would be a much better sign than "Seek God's wisdom now, avoid regret later." Negative motivation is never the best option for the Christian life.
Positive motivation is much better.
How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather
than silver.
Proverbs 16:16.