Listening To The Word - 1 YearПримерок

Discernment and Accountability

Numbers 30:3-5
“When a young woman still living in her father’s house makes a vow to the Lord or obligates herself by a pledge and her father hears about her vow or pledge but says nothing to her, then all her vows and every pledge by which she obligated herself will stand. But if her father forbids her…the Lord will release her…”

God has both blessed us with free will and given us authority structures to submit to and through which to receive counsel. This balance is illustrated in this text regarding pledges or vows before God. We are free to dedicate or decide issues before God, but God has also given us parents and spouses to either confirm our decisions and discernment, or not. This second level of delegated authority is honored by God and designed to keep us from rash decision-making. There is both responsibility and accountability before God, for parents and spouses who speak into the vows and pledges of their loved ones. In trust and prayerful discernment a community (family) of faith will hear God together.

Lord Jesus, thank you for family and for your protection in my decision-making.