Week 394
Positive post Sunday, September 15, 2024…. Week 394. Long time family friend Mike McCall posted the saying, “Don’t do something permanently stupid because you are temporarily upset” on Facebook a while back and it caught my attention. As I was reading the saying and listening to the background music, it reminded me of the 10-second rule. No, not the 5-second rule that gives us permission to eat something that fell on the floor, as long as it’s picked up within 5 seconds, but a more powerful and impactful 10-second rule.
You may recall the 10-second rule simply states that whenever the temperature in a conversation starts to go up, pause for 10 seconds before you respond. That’s it, just stop and wait to let the temperature decrease which may result in a more thoughtful response. Perhaps the world would be a better place if we all followed this rule. Wait 10 seconds before responding with a hurtful negative response. Those few seconds, along with a short prayer, may invoke a Godlier response!!
As I was researching the 10-second rule, and as often happens, God guided me to an even more compelling and faith-centered 10-second rule. I found the book, “The 10 Second Rule, Following Jesus Made Easy” by Clare De Graaf. When I read the cover, especially the quote, “Just do the next thing you’re reasonably certain Jesus wants you to do – and do it within the next 10 seconds”, I purchased the book within 10 seconds!
Rather than write a lengthy review, I’ll share the 5 principles of the 10-second rule and encourage you to read it as well, especially the study guide at the end of the book. The study guide is a chapter-by-chapter list of thought-provoking questions that guide you to action. I’m confident that with prayer and reflection, and through the grace of God, reading this book and engaging in the study guide, will deepen your faith, and for those who have drifted away spiritually, it will help you find your way back to faith.
The 5 Principles:
- “When you are reasonably certain that Jesus is asking you to do something, do it immediately.”
- “The rule gives you a place to begin again following Jesus, right now, and whenever you feel yourself drifting spiritually.”
- “The more you know about the teachings and character of Jesus Christ, the more confident you’ll become following him.”
- “The rule doesn’t require that you be absolutely certain an impression is from God before you obey.”
- “Christian character is shaped less by your big, dramatic decisions than by the accumulative impact of thousands of small acts of simple obedience.”
I’m breaking my tradition of asking only two questions at the end of my PPS since I am reasonably certain Jesus wants me to share additional questions for this post😊.
What’s the next thing you’re reasonably certain Jesus wants you to do? Will you do it within 10 seconds?
What “pre-decisions” have you made to strengthen your faith and spirituality (Read Chapter 6 of, The 10 Second Rule)
Who is your spiritual Mentor? Are you a spiritual mentor for others? (read Chapter 9 of, The 10 Second Rule)
“Honestly, if you lived your life as if it truly belonged to God, how would it look different than it does today?” (from page 210 of, The 10 Second Rule)
