By Michael E. Brooks

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you" (Matt. 7:7).

Many have observed, "be careful what you ask for, you might receive it." Perhaps the best known illustration of this principle was legendary King Midas, whose wish for the "golden touch" turned into tragedy.

I observed a real life example a few years ago in Nepal's Chitwan National Park. Several groups of tourists made daily excursions into the jungle looking for some of the native plants, birds and animals preserved there. Especially prized were sightings of the endangered one horned Asian rhinoceros. Such sightings were made more easily and with much greater safety from the backs of domesticated elephants, but each day groups also hiked the trails, looking for rhinos.

One morning our group returned from a different activity to find some of the day's hikers in a mood of great excitement. They had seen rhinos! But they had not just seen them; they had actually experienced a mother rhino's charge, when they came upon her and her calf and got too close. To say they got more than they had hoped for is undoubtedly a great understatement. Fortunately there were no injuries, but the situation was one of great danger.

Wishes are often rashly and hastily expressed. We want something, but do not consider all the ramifications of what the gratification of that desire will be. Young couples want a baby, often without really making the commitment to financial responsibility, discipline and the nurture and guidance that the child will definitely require. Young people desire to "grow up", but again without thinking through the responsibilities of adulthood.

This is the beginning of a new year. It is traditionally a time of goal setting and resolution. Have you thought through all your goals, all your hopes for the year? Are you prepared for the responsibilities and consequences which achieving them will entail? Remember, our Lord promises that we will receive that for which we ask him. Setting goals and making resolutions is a good thing, but only if we do so thoughtfully, responsibly, and with the commitment of which the goals are worthy.

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