Three Timeless Questions
Ponder: Doing what the Bible says immediately.
Scripture: “I made haste, and did not delay to keep Your commandments” (Psalm 119:60 NKJV).
Whenever the late Gus Nichols did any sort of counseling (Biblical, marital, financial, etc.), he began with three questions. If the answer to any of them was “no,” then there was no reason to continue with counseling. These questions are excellent for us to ask ourselves daily.
1. “Do you really want to do what is right?? This applies to every aspect of life, whether as a spouse, parent, child, boss, employee, neighbor, or citizen. In Colossians 3:17 Paul wrote, “whatever you do, in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” To do something “in the name of the Lord” is to act by the authority of His word. That brings up question two . . .
2. “Are you ready for the Bible to tell you what is right?” The Bible, being God’s word, is the standard for what is right. The standard is not what we feel, or wish, or what the majority of people think. Every part of our lives must be governed by what God teaches in His word. “Therefore all Your precepts concerning all things I consider to be right; I hate every false way” (Psalm 119:128). If you really want to do what is right, and you are ready for the Bible to tell you what is right, then . . .
3. “Are you willing to do what the Bible says right now?” Good counsel, straight from God’s book, helps us not at all unless we heed it. Procrastination only damages any worthwhile effort. Marriages grow weaker by the minute if Biblical principles to strengthen them are ignored or delayed. Scripture plainly states that it is a sin not to do what you know is good (James 4:17).  Delay is especially deadly when it comes to matters of eternal salvation. “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is a day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2).
Do what the Bible says is right. Do it now!
Song: “Trust and Obey”
Prayer: Father, we confess that Your word is right. Help us, we pray, to truly want to do right, and to do it promptly. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Joe Slater (Justin, TX)