I was listening to the K-LOVE Morning Show the other day and they were talking about a unique way to avoid temptation. Apparently Amy found research that states “if you think about a decision long-term, you’re less likely to make a bad choice,” and a caller called in suggesting people “take five” when faced with a temptation.
To “take five” is essentially a challenge to take a moment to think about what the consequences will be in the next five minutes, five hours, five days, five weeks, five months, and five years if you follow through with a temptation. How will the choice you make in this moment effect you in the next five … ?
This simple challenge is a great way to avoid making unwise choices due to temptations, but I want to take it one step further…
This is a great challenge for any decision needing perspective.
May we pray Psalm 90:12, Father “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” May we make choices that honor You and may we use the time You give us on this earth to bring You glory.
I applied for the World Race back in January, so I’m a little bit past the five month mark. If you were to ask me about “taking five,” my answers/speculations would go something like this…
How would applying to/going on the World Race effect me in…
five minutes?
Wow. I can’t believe I did it! I finally applied to the Race! Thank you Jesus, for the courage to step out and trust you!
five hours?
No real change. I was in the process of knocking on doors by filling out job applications, so I had moved on to the next application of many.
five days?
You (AIM) want me to answer HOW MANY super-personal and in-depth questions about my family life, my past, my walk with God, and my struggles?!?! What did I get myself into? (By the way, for me, it was 50. FIFTY super-personal and in-depth questions that made me rehash some very painful things.)
five weeks?
That was an intense phone interview (on an already sad day), but hey! it’s over. A few days later… What?! I’m going on the Race? SHUT THE FRONT DOOR! [Insert flood of emotions over the next few months.]
five months?
Fundraising is not all that fun. And while I have LOVED getting to know my team, I love my friends who are family here, and I am going to miss them dearly. Is this experience really worth all the trouble? Do I really have what it takes to go on the World Race? But on the other hand, how could I not go? God gave his ONLY son for me. Jesus gave his LIFE for me. How can I not give Him ONE YEAR of sold-out devotion and service?
five years?
I can’t even imagine how this experience will impact the rest of my life. If God is as faithful in the next five years as he as been in the last five (my post-divorce years), or the five before that (my marriage years), or the five before those (my college/parents’ divorce years)… OH MAN! I CAN’T EVEN…
Again, Father, “teach me to number my days, that I may gain a heart of wisdom.” Teach me to live an intentional life and seek Your wisdom. Help me make choices that honor You and use the time You give me on this earth to bring You glory. Amen.
