Seven Danger Zones Part 2

We looked at the first three danger zones to consider when we’re picking a path to get on in Seven Danger Zones Part 1. Here are the last four danger zones, as you determine if your ONE THING is the right ONE THING.

4. We’re in danger when we react versus respond in life.Instead of responding to life, we react to it, and it’s the reactions that often get us into trouble.
   Proverbs 18:13 says, “He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and a shame for him.” Donna and I have been married 50 years. Sometimes I can finish her sentences. That is a stupid man. Right? But we do that in our relationships too.

   God called us to be men and women of integrity. When we allow ourselves to react to something –

   • we’re not happy with.
   • that’s not right.
   • we have an opinion on.

   And reaction drives us in a way that later, if we’re being honest with ourselves, we look back and say, “I did not honor God. I reacted instead of responded or resolved an issue.”

5. We’re in danger when we have poor decision-making habits.I think about Paul talking to young Timothy. 1 Peter 1:7 says, “God has not given you that spirit of timidity and fear, but of power and love and a sound mind,” which is powerful.

   Psalm 37:23 says, the steps of a righteous man are ordered by the Lord. As a person, who wants to be right with God we want to make the right decisions about what path we’re going to be on in our lives, picking that next, right, ONE THING to live a life that honors God, being focused on him.

6. We’re in danger when we ignore godly counsel.
   We are also in danger when we receive bad counsel. Proverbs14:15 says, “The simple believe every word, but the prudent man considers well his steps.”
   Be careful who you allow to speak into your life and give you counsel.
   We all need people, who—
   • Are smarter than we are.
   • Are growing.
   • Love God.
   • Know what you’re going through but can speak the truth.
7. We’re in danger when we are restless versus resting.1 Timothy 6:6 serves as a reminder that godliness with contentment is great gain. When we feel restlessness in our lives, that’s healthy. God can use restlessness, but restless can also destroy us.

   Emotions are like fuel. God allows us to have emotions to drive us in a direction that can be healthy. We can be angry but choose not sin (Ephesians 4:26). We can take emotion and allow it to drive us toward resolution, resolving issues or responding to life in a way that heals relationships.

   1. Respond to situations don’t react.
   2. Seek godly counsel and then listen to it.
   3. Develop good decision-making habits, and
   4. Rest in God and be patient.

   Again, remember, you and I can be on the wrong path and either not know it, or we can minimize it in our lives.
   Doing the next right thing can be as simple as, “What am I going to spend money on today?” or “Why am I here on this planet?”

   I hope you will become more aware of these seven danger zones. God has great things in store for you. Choose to be intentional every day to make sure that the path that you’re on is the correct path. Make it a point to be very intentional about how you think, how to deal with your emotions, your relationships and your behavior.