R
We talked about guardrails the other night at Young Adult Bible Study and I found it really refreshing... Obviously, I cannot go into the depth that the video did, by Andy Stanley, but if you are interested feel free to look it up. I'm not sure if its online...
It focused on the following versus.
Basically, for this discussion sake, guardrails, like the real ones, are needed in our personal daily lives, defined as: A personal standard of behavior that becomes a matter of conscience. We need guardrails in every significant area of our lives, because they protect us from the danger zones, where we'll likely be hurt. These guardrails help us to avoid the big regrets of life. Guardrails aren't there to prevent accidents, but they are there to protect us from whatever is on the other side of the guardrail, or are there to prevent injuries from becoming death; like God tries to protect us from being swallowed up in sin and creating scars for ourselves.
Society often draws the line for us, but does not put up guardrails. However, God does provide these, but sometimes we can be ignorant or unaware of them. And often the Holy Spirit speaks to us to reveal danger zones. Guardrails should be personal, because we all have different weaknesses.
I could go verse by verse interpretation, but it would be more interesting to see everyone's interpretation and opinion.
And like in my signature, he pointed out something that really caught my attention that made me realized that this is why I've had so many downfalls in life... The problem isn't that people plan to screw up their lives, its that they don't have a plan not to.
Questions to think about:
It focused on the following versus.
[h=3]Ephesians 5:15-21[/h]New International Version (NIV)
15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit,19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit,19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Society often draws the line for us, but does not put up guardrails. However, God does provide these, but sometimes we can be ignorant or unaware of them. And often the Holy Spirit speaks to us to reveal danger zones. Guardrails should be personal, because we all have different weaknesses.
I could go verse by verse interpretation, but it would be more interesting to see everyone's interpretation and opinion.
And like in my signature, he pointed out something that really caught my attention that made me realized that this is why I've had so many downfalls in life... The problem isn't that people plan to screw up their lives, its that they don't have a plan not to.
Questions to think about:
- Do you have guardrails in your life? (Morally, ethically, in relationships, spiritually, financially, sexually, hobbies, personal struggles, and the list goes on)
- Have you screwed up because you lacked these guardrails?
- How has God been speaking to you in terms of this? What areas are you weak in that He is desiring you to protect yourself from?