James Duff April 24th 2016 ~ Plans and decisions

Little Johnny was perceived as not the brightest kid in the class. His fellow students thought it was good sport to play a game at his expense. Each day a small group of students would offer Johnny the choice of taking a $2 coin or a $1 coin. Johnny always chose the $1 coin and the cruel students thought it hysterical that Johnny would pick the larger $1 coin thinking it was worth more money than the smaller $2.Eventually a kind student saw this happen and took Johnny aside. He explained to Johnny that the $2 coin, although smaller, was worth more than the larger $1 coin. Johnny, with a smirk, explained to his well-intentioned friend that he indeed understood the value of the coins but he was delighted to keep on collecting free money each day at the expense of his classmates. He could have chosen the $2 coin but then the game would have stopped and the chance of making more money ceased. Johnny was left with a choice and was able to think through the situation and the longer-term effects of his decision.I have been thinking much about how we perceive situations and how that perception can often be completely distorted and not thought through.  When we are facing a choice it can be easy not to think where the decision may eventually lead us. I wonder how much the average person thinks through the ramifications of choices. In the western world today we see advertising all over the place that encourages buying now and paying later. It seems to me we are pressured to make quick decisions that will give instant gratification and leave us to think about the implications later. There is a TV ad that ran recently advertising a frying pan. The advertisers want us to buy the product now and be thankful for making a wise choice, unlike others choices we have made in the past. The camera pans out to an actress holding the pan, an old lady with a wrinkly old tattoo emblazoned across her arm. The idea is that buying this frying pan would be a wise, well-thought-out choice, not like a youthful decision that hasn’t been thought through such as a permanent ink stain on our body.Over the last few weeks, some considered decisions have been made concerning the renovation of the hall. This process, which involves prayer, discussion and consultation with experts will continue over the coming weeks.We need to keep praying about the plans and decision-making, for it will impact long-term gospel ministry from St Philips.  We want St Philips to be a place that will be used for ministry for generations to come, a place where all ages and demographics are welcomed and able to use the facilities to bring joy, love and growth in the Lord Jesus. For this to be a reality, we need to think through the ramifications of our decisions. Please know that these decisions will continue with much prayer, thought and guidance.Proverbs 15:22- 23Without counsel, plans go wrong, but with many advisers they succeed. To make an apt answer is a joy to anyone, and a word in season, how good it is! Blessings,James