Life’s Flags

“’For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,’ says the Lord. ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.’” Isaiah 55: 8, 9

Some people don’t enjoy life simply because they haven’t taken the time to understand how God intends it to be lived.

How would you like to be on Jeopardy and have God as your opponent? Most realize God would be a formidable opponent. Who could know more and think better than He? If you don’t think you could out think God in a contest on Jeopardy what would cause you think you could out think Him in real life?

God said to and through Isaiah, “My thoughts are not your thoughts….”

A ski instructor said to one of his students, “Congratulations you finished the course faster than anyone. As a matter of fact you set a course record.” He paused, leaving the student feeling very good about himself, and then continued, “The problem is you missed every one of the flags.”

“Flag? What flags?”

Anyone who has even the most elementary knowledge of skiing knows flags mark the right course. Some people are setting new records on life’s downhill run, but they seem oblivious to God’s flags marking life’s correct course. Consequently there is no way they can win in life’s race.

Joy comes in the race lived by God’s standard and victory results in finishing the course.

God said, “My thoughts are not your thoughts.” That is the problem. To correct this measure your every thought by one of His flags. If you think a thought that is not in line with His standard, go back and rethink the thought in accord with His thought.

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12: 2)

Did you get it? It is good and acceptable. That is, it is pleasing to God for us to think like Him. Why? Because He is wiser and knows more than we and He knows what is best for us. It leads to our fulfillment and gratification. He wants that for us.

Back to Jeopardy, can you out-think God? If not, then trust His judgment.

The New Living Translation makes it even more clear. “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” (Romans 12:2)

His thoughts are true, excellent, pure, lovely, honest, just, praiseworthy, virtuous and pure. (Philippians 4:8) That is a standard worthy for you.

Think about it. It is best and more blessed to follow His flags.