Veto Power

Proverbs 16:9

      The power to veto a decision can keep things in balance. The buck has to stop somewhere. Someone has to be responsible for decisions being made. It can’t always be someone else’s fault. Psychiatrists have a name for people who always point the finger in other people’s direction. They are called Narcissists. Unfortunately, some politicians are Narcissists.

      Most of us want to have some stability in our lives. We want and need some sense of control. This control often gets expressed in the plans that we think about and make. We really are planning creatures.

      Some people have been so hurt by past experiences that they feel the need to control everything they can. Often those who grow up in chaotic households, like homes with alcoholic parents, grab as much control as they can. That is because there was so much they couldn’t control as a kid. To provide themselves with safety they turn to controlling the smallest details, because the big items in life were crazy out of control.

      But even the most well-grounded of us makes plans. Sometimes our plans are to have no plans! We plan for vacations. We plan for a wedding. We plan for retirement.

      One thing we need to remember: the LORD has veto power in our lives. If we are submitting to Him, we give Him the right to change things around. He will establish our steps. He is the one that lays out the path, and it is up to us to walk it.

      The earlier we can get in line with His steps, the easier it will be to walk. If our plans are constantly being course-corrected by being in tune with Him, then the changes to our plans will be relatively minor ones. We will be listening and obeying.

Evil Run Amuck

Proverbs 16:3-5

      Sometimes it seems as though wickedness gets a free ride. In our political climate you can say anything you want against a Republican and get away with it. You can call them the most racist and bigoted things and no one says a word. They can be painted as heartless evil people and the volume of sound overwhelms the truth. Sometimes things just aren’t fair.

      So what do we as Believers do with injustice, wickedness, and vileness? How do we reconcile evil seemingly getting a free ride? Our three proverbs today, taken together give us a glimpse as some of the dynamics.

      The first is that evil will get punished. People may seem to be getting away with things, but the LORD knows the reality. There is a day of judgment coming. It may not be in this life, but every idle word will be accounted for. The fact that the House passed budgets back in June and they sat in the Senate idle for all these months is shameful. And then for the Republicans to get blamed for not doing anything, doubly shameful.

      But I don’t want to make this about politics. That is just one example of injustice, plans gone awry. How do we know if our plans will succeed? How do we know that what we plan will get the LORD’s blessing? These proverbs state that the LORD will establish our plans. All our plans? Even evil plans?

      Our plans must be in line with His character. He can’t bless evil. He may allow evil for a season to accomplish His purposes, but that is not blessing. He is a Holy God, and plans that bear His seal of approval must also be holy.

      We need to recognize that we can’t accomplish something without His blessing and power, otherwise pride takes over. When we get a bloated sense of self-importance, we play god. We stop listening to His direction and we become open to other contrary voices.

      I suggest that we start with a growing, intimate relationship with the LORD, learning to listen and submit everything to Him. Then begin to ask Him what He wants us to do. Be open to creative and unusual things. He did make Iguanas after all! Then as His plans become your plans, continue to listen and obey as you step forward. Be ready for small course corrections that He gives. Give Him the glory.