If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5
Have you ever noticed how a little one will want something they see on a commercial until the next product is advertised? Their minds can be changed so fast that we can’t keep up! We shake our heads at the power commercials have over our kids and the decisions they make.
As our children get older, they learn how companies get consumers interested in what they are selling in order to make money. We teach them about marketing strategies that are used to play on emotions. After they are aware of the tactics used, they are able to make informed decisions based on their needs and the quality of the product rather than emotions evoked by a commercial.
There is something pretty important in the lessons we teach about making wise decisions. This can help them for the rest of their lives. Yet, here I am, after learning these lessons, thinking how easily I can get caught up in my own real life “commercials” telling me what I need and what I should be doing. One thing that everyone has is opinions, and most people aren’t afraid to express them. These “commercials” very easily play on emotions that make me second guess my decisions. Most of the time, the emotions evoke guilt or fear, even when there is no legitimate reason for it.
We have to remember something. Everyone has opinions and we can’t always make everyone happy. Just because we aren’t “buying into” someone’s way of thinking, doesn’t mean it isn’t the right “product” for someone else. However, it’s our responsibility to follow God’s path for our life, not someone who may be well meaning, but has their own reasons for wanting something. It’s great if God’s plan lines up with theirs, but that isn’t always the case. God has individualized paths for our lives.
We’re going to have critics, some kinder than others, and some louder than others. It would be foolish to never listen to what others are saying, but be careful to measure it against your family’s needs and God’s word. We shouldn’t spend time worrying about what others think more than what God thinks. Unfortunately, we have these “commercials” on repeat even when we would be telling the kids not to listen to it one more time since they already made a decision on the product.
Just like we don’t want commercials to influence our children’s decisions, we need to be careful we don’t let what others think influence our decisions. It’s wise to take Godly counsel, but God’s counsel needs to be more important. Sometimes we just have to believe in ourselves and what we are hearing from God.
Today, be supportive and encouraging, while practicing discernment on when to give your opinions. When you are asked, remember to respond with tact, thoughtfulness, and without judgement. If God doesn’t find fault with us, we sure shouldn’t with anyone else!
