Over the next few days, Care for Pastors is faced with some major decisions and as I lead in making those decisions everything in me says, “Be careful.” All those years and voices of cautionary thinking and living are raising there heads demanding to be heard. The voices in my head say, “The virtue of wisdom is to be careful.”

But how do I pair that thinking and living with the words of Ephesians 3:20 to say nothing of other multiple scriptures and biblical heroes that clearly encourage me to pay attention instead of be careful.

I wonder how the history of the nation of Israel would have been altered if all twelve of the spies that Moses sent to check out the Promised Land had come back with a “Pay attention” report instead of a “Be careful” commentary. Only Joshua and Caleb gave the heads up analysis “Pay attention” report. “If the Lord is pleased with us, He will lead us…Do not be afraid.” (Numbers 14:8-9)

I am reminded of the fifth point of Experiencing God. Dr. Blackaby writes, “God’s invitation for you to work with Him always leads you to a crisis of belief that requires faith and action.” Hmmm….Should I be careful or pay attention? I’ll let you know how it turns out.