c r o s s+r o a d s

Heaven Sent

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
- Paul (or Saul) from Tarsus
1 Corinthians 10:13


We are connected to people for a specific purpose, and one of which, perhaps, is to provide a way out.

Too many people thought I embraced too much of the "old school" concept, but the principles are "obviously" working to be outrightly ignored.



We often hear the phrase "tao lang po" whenever one will justify an apparent deviation from an 'acceptable behavior'. Yes, it may be true, but the weakness of our human nature can be compensated by our relationships --- (1) with God and (2) with the people around us. Our relationship with the Divine provides us the inner strength, while our relationship with people provides us accountability.

When we are tempted to deviate from the established and acceptable norms, our natural response is to keep the inner struggle to ourselves. If we are inclined to commit the infraction, we tend to discuss the matter only to a 'few' people who have subscribed to the "unacceptable" behavior and are able to manage it. Little did we know that we are burying ourselves deeper into the pit until damage has been inflicted and consequence is irreversible.

While it may be true na "lahat ng bawal ay masarap", staying close to the fire even though you are not playing with it can be costly.

We tend to ignore the 'people' connected to us when these very people are the ones who can provide the way out when we are in a precarious situation.

King Solomon once said, A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it. Proverbs 22:3

When we are 'under pressure', we may not be able to think clearly and our focus is short term. But the people around us, our connection(s), our relationship(s) may serve as "watch man" that can see the danger ahead and give us sound advice.

Yes it may be risky, yes it may short circuit your plan. But it may save you from a lot of trouble.

This article is dedicated to a friend and colleague who, in her young age, has served as watchman, who time and again, her opinion has become valuable.

posted by ASKSonnie @ Monday, January 23, 2006