“Shoot first and ask questions later.” This statement calls one to make quick decisions, and worry about whether it was the “right” decision later.
There may be some rare occasions where a person needs to shoot first and ask questions later. I’m thinking of occasions like natural disasters, criminal violation, terrorist attacks, and military endeavors. But most would agree that “shoot first and ask questions later” is the stuff of movies, and normally not the best approach.
Yet, many times we as believers, (or at least me as a believer,) will assess a situation based upon what I see and know. Then I will proceed to make a decision, without seriously or intentionally consulting with God for direction. In other words, I shoot first and ask questions later.
This is the case in Joshua chapter 9. There, the Gibeonites trick God’s people, because the Israelites made a decision without first consulting God. This left them saddled with an on-going frustration, because they trusted their ability to evaluate and discern more than God’s wisdom and instruction.
This is so easy to do, because we want to be responsible and do our part. We don’t want to be overly dependent or burdensome, but taking matters into our own hands is exactly what makes us irresponsible and a burden.
We must hold tightly to Proverbs 3:5-6 which says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will direct your paths.” (NLT)
Are your decisions made more on your own wisdom, or on your seeking God? If so, where do you need to start changing that?