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How often do we find ourselves pushing the limits in life? Whether it's driving just a little over the speed limit or stretching the boundaries of what we consider acceptable behavior, our human nature often gravitates towards testing the lines drawn for us. This tendency, while seemingly harmless at first glance, can lead us down a path fraught with consequences and regrets.

Proverbs 22:3 wisely states, "A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences." This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of foresight and wisdom in our decision-making processes. It's not just about avoiding obvious dangers, but about cultivating a mindset that seeks to make truly wise choices.

In our spiritual journey, one of the most challenging aspects is discerning not just between right and wrong, but between what is almost right and what is truly right. The apostle Paul exhorts us in Ephesians 5:15-16, "Look carefully then how you walk [How You Live], not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." This call to wisdom isn't just about avoiding sin; it's about actively pursuing a life that honors God in every aspect.

Our natural, carnal nature – what the Bible often refers to as "the flesh" – often works against our best interests. It's the part of us that rationalizes, "If it's not wrong, it's alright" or "If it's not illegal, it's permissible." This mindset can be dangerous because it leads us to constantly test the boundaries, asking, "How close to sin can I get without actually sinning?"

But here's the truth: what we spend our time on matters. Galatians 6:8 reminds us, "For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life." This isn't just about our eternal destiny; it's about the quality of life we experience here and now. Every decision we make is either sowing to the flesh or to the Spirit.

So how do we cultivate spiritual maturity and make wiser decisions? It starts with asking ourselves a crucial question: "What is the wise thing to do?" This goes beyond simply avoiding wrong; it's about actively pursuing what is best. It might mean keeping our mouths shut when we want to speak out in anger, checking our attitudes, or saying no to that extra indulgence.

Spiritual growth requires discipline and effort. It's about making choices that are empowered by the Holy Spirit, listening to that still, small voice that guides us towards righteousness. But here's an important truth to consider: if we find ourselves constantly tempted to cross lines we know we shouldn't, it might indicate an area of our life that hasn't been fully surrendered to Jesus.

We all have blind spots and areas where we're still growing. That's why it's crucial to have trusted friends, mentors, or spiritual guides who can help us see our blind spots and grow. It's also why we need to be intentional about nurturing our spiritual lives.

Romans 13:14 gives us a powerful strategy: "But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires." This means actively choosing to clothe ourselves in Christ's character and not giving our fleshly desires any foothold.

To help us in this journey, there are four spiritual disciplines we can practice:

1. Reading the Bible daily, memorizing and meditating on scripture. This transforms our minds and hearts.

2. Engaging in prayer and worship daily. This keeps us connected to God's presence and power.

3. Fasting regularly, combined with prayer and Bible reading. This helps us focus on spiritual priorities.

4. Asking the Holy Spirit to reveal any earthly attitudes or behaviors in us that need to change.

As we practice these disciplines, we grow in our ability to discern between good and evil, between what is truly wise and what only appears to be so. Hebrews 5:14 tells us, "But solid food is for the [spiritually] mature, whose senses are trained by practice to distinguish between what is morally good and what is evil."

Making better decisions with fewer regrets is a sign of spiritual maturity. It's about surrendering every part of ourselves to Jesus, even those areas we might want to hold onto. It's about asking the Holy Spirit for discernment to know what's morally good versus what's almost good, what's right versus what's almost right, and what's true versus what's almost true.

In a world that often encourages us to push boundaries and test limits, we're called to a higher standard. We're called to wisdom, to spiritual maturity, to making decisions that honor God and benefit others. It's not always easy, and it often goes against our natural inclinations. But the rewards – a life with fewer regrets, deeper spiritual growth, and a closer walk with God – are immeasurable.

As we go about our days, let's challenge ourselves to ask, "What is the wise thing to do?" in every situation we face. Let's seek the Holy Spirit's guidance, surround ourselves with godly counsel, and commit to growing in spiritual maturity. By doing so, we'll not only make better decisions and have fewer regrets, but we'll also become more like Christ – and isn't that the ultimate goal of our spiritual journey?

Remember, spiritual maturity isn't about perfection; it's about progress. It's about consistently choosing to sow to the Spirit rather than to the flesh. It's about surrendering more of ourselves to Jesus each day. As we do this, we'll find ourselves making wiser decisions, living with fewer regrets, and experiencing the abundant life God has promised us.