006 – Almost Daily Devotional – The Best Question Ever!
(Updated Show Notes - May 2025)
Episode 006 – The Best Question Ever
Originally recorded: July 16, 2006
Part of the Almost Daily Devotional series
In this episode, I shared one of the most helpful frameworks I had encountered at the time for navigating gray areas in life and faith—a tool I learned from a message by Andy Stanley called Fool Proof.
It centers around a single, reflective question:
“In light of my past experience, my current circumstances, and my future hopes and dreams—what is the wise thing for me to do?”
Back then, this question felt revolutionary to me. It helped me move beyond moral binaries and start considering the impact of my decisions—not just whether something was right or wrong, but whether it was wise, healthy, and aligned.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
- A brief clip from Andy’s message
- My reading of Ephesians 5:15–17
- A fictional—but realistic—scenario about temptation in the workplace
- A breakdown of the 3-part filter: Past, Present, Future
- A reflection on why gray areas often call for discernment, not just rule-following
- And an honest reminder that trusting your own heart—without reflection—can lead to regret
✨ What I Believed Then
I believed that wisdom was a Spirit-led tool for discerning God’s will in gray areas.
That right vs. wrong wasn’t always clear—but wise vs. unwise often was.
I believed the Bible offered timeless principles, and that the Holy Spirit would guide us if we asked better questions.
And I believed this question—framed by Andy Stanley—could truly “fool proof” a life.
🌱 What I Believe Now
I still believe in discernment.
But I now believe that the deepest wisdom comes not from trying to avoid sin, but from remembering our wholeness.
I no longer teach people to question their hearts.
I help people return to their inner knowing—the voice of God within.
I don’t believe wisdom is a narrow path of risk avoidance.
I believe it’s a spacious path of resonance and integrity.
This question still holds power. But today, I also ask:
What choice is most true to who I am becoming?
What feels aligned with Love—not just safe from consequence?
And I trust that when we listen from the inside out…
the next step always becomes clear.
🔥 Why I’m Leaving This Episode in the Feed
Because this was me, trying to articulate a more honest path.
Because it shows my own process of stepping beyond fear-based obedience.
Because it’s a real moment—offered in trust, not control.
And because the wisdom I offered then still holds value now…
even as the voice behind it has expanded.
May this question serve you.
And may you learn to trust your own sacred discernment.
Cliff