Bibledoorajar Ponders: does what we think really matter?

There is one question that is prominent in Esther's story. Did she know something that the rest of us do not? How was she so very effective in her efforts? It seems to me the main point of her story is that she was willing to be changed. First, she was willing to be changed from a simple Jewish girl into a queen. Then, she was willing to SEE herself as a QUEEN. This involved changing her mind. It was necessary for her to think differently--about herself, her family, her people, her king, her enemy and, most importantly, her God.

As the dynamics of Esther's life unfolded, she realized she had a major calling. She had been placed (hidden) in the king's palace in order to defeat an enemy of God's people. As the enemy advanced, her duty to thwart his advancement became increasingly clear to her. She had to change her perspective and she had to do some serious tactical planning. Would she "choose this day whom she would serve" and would she begin to plan her strategy? Yes, she would!!

When I was in graduate school, I took a course on critical thinking. In this course, I learned that critical thinkers do not start with answers; they start with questions. In order to get the best answer, thinkers are encouraged to "think outside the box." That is, thinkers are encouraged to not just give the first easy answer, but to list as many possible answers that come to mind. This tactic, we learned, was called brainstorming. Of course, no one could force us to think like this, storming our minds, taxing them with possibilities. Some recoiled at the brain taxation, but others could see the advantages.

God placed before Esther (and us) commandments replete with possibilities. These commandments require choice, discipline, desire, and a need for tactical thinking. Right thinking will produce wise and holy possibilities. But not everyone pursues such thinking. Esther could have chosen to allow her people to remain in danger of ultimate annihilation. She was free to do so. She was not being pressured by the king. We can choose to leave the widows and orphans without help. We are free to do so. We are not being pressured by the King. However, our choice won't be without a price. God has set before us both blessings and curses. If we use our critical thinking, if we choose wisely and pursue brave godly strategies, we have blessings. If not, we have curses. Curses imply God's back turned away from us. How sad.