Rash Decisions and a Little Honey

Mike Hoey, an Elder

If you are anything like me (or most of the human race) you’ve made some rash decisions in your life.  I’ve discovered that these decisions are almost always birthed from a place of emotion, rather than a true faith.  In my experience, the rashest decisions are made from negative emotions, although I’ve also made some rash decisions from quite a few “feel good” moments as well. As a side note, these rash decisions can be avoided through prayer, and by seeking the will of God (John 5:30, Hebrews 4:12).

We begin making rash decisions based on emotions from an early age.  I know one little boy, who, when he would get in trouble with his parents, would blurt out, “I’m never going to eat again!”  His parents will tell you how he would tell them not to pack him a lunch, and how when they, being good parents, would pack one anyway, he would throw it in the trash while at school.  His rash decision only made his situation worse, since by the time he got home he would be tired, irritable, and even more prone to getting into trouble.  At that age, he didn’t have the sense to understand fully the needs of his body, or the social, cultural, or disciplinary needs of the situation he was in.  You’ve seen that kind of behavior with adults before too, I’m sure. “I’m never going to that church again!” “I’m never going to talk to that person again until they do x, y, or z.”  Too many times, we make unconscious decisions not to enjoy ourselves until some unrealistic criterion is met.  For instance, “I’m not worthy to enjoy myself there because of what I did then.”  Such rash decisions are dangerous because they deprive us of things that we actually need.

Saul made a similar decision in 1 Samuel 14:24-30.  The men of Israel were engaged in battle with the Philistines. They were hard pressed and taking losses.  Saul charged the men not to eat until the evening, and until his enemies had been pounded pretty decently. As you can imagine, an unfed soldier doesn’t do as well in battle. Interestingly, Saul’s son, Jonathon didn’t hear the command, and when he came upon some honey, he took some, and his mood and general constitution were enhanced.  The people told him of his transgression, but he immediately knew that his father’s command had prevented them from doing better in battle.

Here’s the thing to remember: A) avoid rash decisions.  Instead seek God first, and B) remember that you NEED to taste and experience the good things of God at the appropriate times.