Impulse

"Imagine a person who lives well, treating others fairly, keeping good relationships…doesn't live by impulse and greed, doesn't treat one person better than another, but lives by my statutes and faithfully honors and obeys my laws." Ezekiel 18:5 (MSG)

After taking a few days to write my previous post on “Friendships” one word began to dance in my thoughts – ‘impulse’. Our senses bombard us to become impulsive. At one point or another everyone has been impulsive. We want to look right, enjoy certain smells, taste something particular, enjoy how something makes us feel, and enjoy hearing compliments. These 5 senses many times are unbridled causing us to make poor impulsive decisions.

Ladies, how many times have you at the last minute decided to purchase a new outfit because you had nothing to wear that looked right? Better yet, shopping with a friend not needing to spend money a friend told you how beautiful you looked in an outfit you tried on for fun; you loved what you heard and gave in to impulsive spending. As a result the item still hangs in your closet with the tags because it is not your style. Maybe you were attending a wedding or special event and ‘needed’ a new outfit. Regardless that you couldn’t find what you really liked you settled not really liking the purchase. The money was a waste because you never wore the outfit again. Possibly a friend got a new gadget and you decided you ‘needed’ one, too.

Often the same impulsive nature exists in our spiritual lives. Many pray in a crisis or run to church when there is a problem, yet others stay home and hide during a problem. Impulse prevails for the moment rather than a consistent walk with God. Decisions are made impulsively that must be lived with. Life is not like a new gadget, clothing article, or car. It can’t be put sold on Ebay, Craigslist, or a garage sale. In fact it can’t be traded with a friend. An impulsive nature in spending, habits, hobbies, and friends uncontrolled will definitely began to form our character. It is impossible to separate an impulsive physical nature with an impulsive spiritual nature

Well planned decisions add balance and consistency to our daily lives. Decisions are made with a plan to execute the goal. Every decision may not be easy, however regret or frustration will not exist and a strong mind to accomplish will prevail. We can give God what He desires of us and not just a quick impulsive prayer or Christian service. I want to live by His statues and faithfully honor and obey Him as Ezekiel 18:5 suggests.