Proverbs 14.15
“The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.” (Proverbs 14.15)
Life in focus is on-path. It is a life directed by discernment and discipline. Wise people carefully consider the way they go about life. They give thought to what they do and how they do it.
Much of life is a battle between impulsive emotion and disciplined thinking. Impulsive emotion doesn’t consider consequences. Disciplined thinking does. There is enormous power in trusting God, pressing pause, praying for wisdom, and observing and thinking before acting.
Keep in mind there are three pause points in the E+R=O system where it is important to gain clarity.
- The Proactive Pause is applied before the E. It helps you look forward and gain clarity. Anticipate events you are likely to encounter and consider how best to respond to those events. Before you go into a situation, think ahead and be prepared.
- The Situational Pause is applied between the E and the R. It helps you clarify how to respond to events as they happen. When you experience an event, press pause and clarify the O you want, the E you have, and the R you need. Keep in mind that clarity in the Proactive Pause will help you with speed to clarity in the Situational Pause.
- The Reflective Pause is applied after you have taken action and produced an outcome. It helps you look back and gain clarity. After you have responded to a situation, press pause and reflect on what happened. Learn from the experience. Repeat what works. Improve what can be better. Eliminate what doesn’t work.
Trust God, press pause, and give thought to your steps.
