Focus: Think Before You Act!

Text: Mk.14:72

"And when he thought thereon, he wept."

Part of the world's problems stems from the thoughtless actions of men, and regrets result from actions without thought.

Peter acted without thinking when he betrayed his master, Jesus Christ. He was used to acting impulsively - more emotional than rational in his speeches and actions. The Lord Jesus Christ warned Peter before time that he would betray Him, but he didn't believe it one bit. He must have dismissed it with a wave of hand. Then the time of temptation came, and Peter woefully flopped and flatly failed. He thoughtlessly denied his master. He didn't even remember the warning of Christ. He didn't only betray his master, but he also took to his heels when the Jewish leaders came for His arrest. He followed his master from a distance, and abandoned Him at last. 

The Scripture has it that His disciples finally forsook Him. As soon as he was done betraying his master, their eyes met, and in that moment Peter thought of what he had done, and then he wept bitterly as a result. Matthew writes, "And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly" (Mt.26:75). Peter instantly reflected on his action, and he regretted it, and went to a corner and wept bitterly. He was repentant.

For being thoughtless, he betrayed his master, and for being thoughtful, he regretted his actions and repented from it. 

Thoughtfulness is a component of wisdom. True reflection leads to repentance and proper conduct. Child of God, be aware that by your thoughtless words and actions you hurt yourself and others. I beg of you in the name of Jesus Christ to think before you speak or act. Stop being rash or irrational in your actions. Always weigh your words and actions. Think deeply and broadly, and act wisely.

by Bishop Moses E. Peter