Commands and\or wisdom
The dictionary definition of the word deliberation is this:
Dict:- 1 long and careful consideration or discussion:
In all our deliberations. In all the examination of situations in life, and in our endeavour to reach perfect conclusions, we must balance our thinking by the fact that there are no perfect human conclusions. [Perfect as in an ultimate all-knowing kind of perfection]
To see something perfectly from every angle is to have The mind of God Himself. And the bible says We (Humans) ‘know in part’. (I Cor. 13/12)
In an OT context, Solomon exercised wisdom by suggesting the baby be cut in two – thus revealing the true mother’s heart. But don’t think that – that was the only solution to the situation. (Read I Kings 3 for the context of my remarks)
Because of ‘The fall of mankind’, (as in man’s nature becoming corrupt) mankind will always fall short of a perfect conclusion or solution, when left to our own devices.
The best we can hope for is sound judgement.
Acting on the principles of God’s Word and embracing the wisdom we find there – we come to the best conclusion we can.
When we come to any important conclusion, [because besetting double-mindedness gets us nowhere], we must hold fast to it, provided it is not riddled with obvious flaws in the violation of principles.
Paul let’s us know that things are not always biblically black and white, cut and dry, when he informs us that having received ‘no commandment from the Lord’ he gave his judgement as one who was found faithful. (I Cor. 7/25)
This statement in The Word of God – fits a different category than commandment. It is sound judgement and guidance.
In other words he gave his advice not as a commandment from God – but we notice – that nevertheless it was/is God-inspired advice, and is perfect in its category, within the inspired Word of God.
I would suggest wisdom and advice is simply a different category than the commandments of God. Both can proceed from God Himself. (See e.g. I Cor. 12/8).
Conversely however there are many truths in the Bible which are dogmatic in the best possible sense. The virgin birth of Jesus to give but one example. This is true-truth – indisputably so.
If Paul, in the above passage (I Cor. 7) had received a commandment from God, then the solution, would have been even more black and white.
But as it was written, it was a man receiving the help of The Holy Spirit to give wise counsel. It is still the word of God and to be followed.
In that sense we might say it is perfect God-inspired wisdom.
We look for wisdom in difficult situations which do not always present a clear solution.
The apostles were privileged in that they did receive from The Lord on a higher spiritual God-given plane than the rest of us.
And they did write the Word of the Lord, (as a result). And so it was – that in God’s plan it was handed down to us. Preserved I believe supernaturally by God Himself.
Sometimes we can discover that in our attempts to reach perfect judgement in everyday life scenarios, we are setting the bar too high. We can be trying to achieve that – which we cannot achieve.
We are called to make wise and principled decisions, asking God for wisdom. But realising at the same time, that there may be another way to look at things, because of something we have missed.
This informs us, that it is unwise, to resent and become bitter towards others who hold a different view point. Even though their viewpoint might be riddled with error. In such cases pick the wheat from the chaff. Usually both are present.
At other times things are clear and even common- sense prevails to give us the right solution.
We certainly don’t embrace that which violates God’s principles, but we violate His principles when we allow bitterness to overcome us, in resenting the viewpoint of others.
Now of course there are diabolical acts taking place on planet earth and we clearly reject these that are usually based on no, or perverted, principles.
We especially should not fall out with those who have a different, yet principled viewpoint, which may just be in fact, another way of looking at the problem.
There may not be only one solution to a given situation.
In all these considerations, we should not stop holding fast to what we have decided.
It’s the double-minded man who is unstable in all his ways. (James 1/8)
There is no doubt that, based on scripture we can reach the best conclusion possible. It’s just that (after doing so) we should still commit our way to God, when we arrive at that place. Especially when further things/results are out of our direct control.
Knowing that He knows more than we do and may have a superior plan, approach or solution, is not a cop out, it is resignation to His will, in trust and faith, committing our decisions to Him.
If we don’t go that way – what alternative is there?
The alternative is double-mindedness, indecision, and things that should be done – left undone.
Thank God for the following as we oft times stumble in our decision making.
Psalm 103
13
As a father pities his children,
So the Lord pities those who fear Him.
14
For He knows our frame;
He remembers that we are dust.
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