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Policies and promptings

Wanda Smith writes about developing "policies" that make life easier
OnTheFrontPorch_WandaSmith
On the Front Porch by Wanda Smith

A couple weeks ago, I touched on the importance of ensuring that you are covered in terms of insurance regarding your personal belongings as well as life/accident insurance. I also mentioned the eternal value of making Jesus the Lord and Savior of your life which brings a deep peace to your heart and soul that cannot be filled with anything else. As we’ve covered some of the basics, such as physical health and your spiritual life, let’s touch on something more tangible in our day-to-day lives that will help eliminate stress and bring order to our minds.

I was in a meeting not too long ago when I heard a teaching that really struck a chord with me. Steve Atkins talked about the importance of developing policies within a family, challenging us to “make God’s principles your policy.” He mentioned how this simple procedure would benefit our mental health, simplify life, and eliminate the decision-making process most of the time when difficult situations arise. Can you see how this would benefit your life?

Let’s explore some of the ways I have implemented policies based on God’s principles in my life. Maybe this can jumpstart you in establishing some policies in your life and family. Without realizing what I was doing, I had already made several choices in my teen years that would essentially be life policies I’ve followed. Right off the top, I made a conscious decision to not drink, smoke, or do drugs. This decision has made it so easy in situations that have arisen when it has been easily accessible. I can’t begin to mention how much stress was been eliminated in my life just by making that one decision. I don’t ever have to wonder if I should have a drink or not. 

Another policy I have made is to not lie. I choose to tell the truth no matter how hard it is. Again, this eliminates all temptation to cheat on my taxes, fudge the truth, or to have to backpedal and cover up a story I’ve told.

In my marriage, I have chosen to not mention the word “divorce” or meditate on anything of that nature, especially when we are going through a rocky season. I choose to choose my husband over every other man, thinking pure thoughts. My policy is to be committed to my husband for life.

These policies, based on God’s way of doing things, keep me looking straight ahead and bring peace to my mind because it is settled once and for all in my mind. This way, I will not have to revisit my decision each time I am faced with it.

What about the times that the situations before us are so not black and white and we are posed with a difficult decision that isn’t covered specifically in scripture such as buying/selling land or a house,  what job to take, where to live or who to marry? This is when you follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit.  “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” (Psalm 32:8)

The writer of Isaiah (30:21) also offers encouragement: “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’”

We will never go wrong when we heed His voice.

Set aside time this week to meditate on the policies you wish to implement in your life and follow Holy Spirit as He leads you on your journey through life.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication. 

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