Greetings
What goes into making a hard or unfavorable decision? Do we have regrets afterwards or try to shift blame. How do we respond when someone else makes a poor decision because of perceived public opinion? Chew slowly on today’s Holy Nougat
“Then the king regretted what he had said; but because of the vow he had made in front of his guests, he issued the necessary orders.” Matthew 14:9 NLT
Was it truly that Herod sought to remain a man of integrity? Perhaps. In light of the step-daughtet’s request however, one may question the value of personal integrity. The Nougat, you might recall, comes from a more heinous story where John the Baptist chastised Herod for marrying his sister-in-law. In and of itself, that might not seem so horrid, except the circumstances surrounding the brother’s death are not mentioned; yet Herod and his ‘wife’ both wish John dead. (verses 5,8)
Herod didn’t initially follow through on his desires for he feared public opinion; but yielded to his step-daughter because he made the promise publicly. What about public opinion? Sometimes human decency is sacrificed at the altar of pride and baptized as integrity, job security or other such names while we try to pretend that our actions were not personally motivated. However, as humans created with free will and consciences, it is incumbent upon us to make life-affirming decisions; popular or not.
Usually, when we prepare to make a decision our consciences weigh in on the conversation. Do we listen? Do we pause to pray? Do we truly weigh our options before making the decision? For if we do, then a decision against life affirmation might not be anything else but our own choice. Sometimes we may risk more than just public opinion, but is it more important to save the job; save face; gain popularity; secure favor, or ‘preserve’ life at the expense of our souls?
Those who wish to hear, prayerfully ponder
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
