Occasionally you can remember a dream quite clearly because it conveys to you an important message. This one of mine goes back many years, but its message is so relevant today.
I was questioning a selection of local dignitaries as part of the preparation for a ‘Brains Trust’ performance where one of the panellists would be {Mr. ‘X’}, a local politician. Two of the questions were these: “Would you like to meet {Mr. ‘X’}?” and “Would you be prepared to talk to him about the deputy-master relationship?” I hadn’t heard the expression ‘deputy-master relationship’ prior to this dream but I think its meaning is obvious.
Most people I’d asked had readily answered ‘yes’ to both questions. One man responded aggressively to the first question: “No, I don’t want to meet him, I don’t particularly like the man.” Then to the second came a blunt and very forceful “No.” I pointed out that everyone else had said ‘yes’ quite willingly. He realised that his manner belied some foreknowledge of the celebrity and explained - off the record - why he had refused.
“A few years ago,” he began, “I was standing in for my boss at an important meeting. One of the matters being discussed was a new scheme put forward by your celebrity. I was in favour of it and, knowing this, he was confident that, with my support, it would be approved. However, I was aware that my boss disagreed with the proposal so, since I was deputising for him and not attending the meeting in my own right, I spoke in opposition to the motion and voted against it. The matter was dropped and, as a result, the man lost popularity and quite a bit of money. He’s never forgiven me.”
It could happen anywhere. Life is full of situations where there are conflicting pressures, what are popularly called ‘difficult decisions’. Some, like public spending cuts or remaining in the EU, are resolved at a single stroke affecting the whole nation. Others, like choosing between going to church and relaxing in the garden, or between paying our tithe and buying those smart new shoes, are matters for the individual. I make a personal decision which, although perhaps swayed by what my neighbour might say or do, will affect only me. I can do what is easy, what fits in with my personal interests or desires, or I can opt for what, in my heart of hearts, I know to be the right thing to do. In one case my life might be easier, or more enjoyable; in the other, I might be uncomfortable, ridiculed or even persecuted, but I should have an easy conscience to rest on.
As he followed in the footsteps of ‘Moses, the servant of the Lord’ (Joshua 1:1), Joshua had to make many difficult decisions and was sometimes uncertain whether the people would respect and be led by him as they had Moses. Perhaps one of the greatest decision he made is recorded in Joshua 24:14-15, “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
May God guide the decisions you have to make today.
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