Some Three Circles Examples

CASE STUDY #1:
Bonnie has been married to Clyde for quite some time and has grown tired of his lazy attitude. Clyde hasn't taken her out or commented on her looks in years since the birth of their second child. Clyde works all day and then comes home, grabs his dinner and goes into the living room to watch the game. Bonnie struggles to remain happy being married to Clyde and has often wondered if she made the wrong choice when she chose Clyde over Ed way back when. Bonnie is thinking about finding out what ever happened to Ed. She does end up finding his address and they meet a few times, unbeknownst to Clyde. Now Bonnie is thinking of leaving Clyde, because he doesn't compliment her and make her feel good like Ed does.

Okay what do the three circles say to Bonnie as she's pondering this choice? God's Word would say, "Thou shall not commit adultery." This falls under the first circle, which deals with things prohibited by God. Bonnie is basing her decision on her feelings rather than God's commands.

CASE STUDY #2:
Henry is thinking about changing his job as a construction worker to an office job because he'll be able to provide better for Harriet and their two kids. The office job will require him to be out of the house more and work two weekends a month. His construction job is a consistent nine to five, and he has the weekends off. Which option should Henry choose?

This is the second circle, where Henry needs input for wisdom. After talking with Harriet, Henry goes and discusses his options with a few other friends and Pastor Bob. They ask him why he wants to switch jobs, and Henry tells them that he'd be able to save more money each month to put away for his children's college education. His motives appear to be good, because he's thinking of his kids. Pastor Bob simply asks Henry what he'll be sacrificing if he takes the office job. Henry will miss his kids' hockey games and will miss the family picnics they have after church each Sunday. These have been key times to train and equip his kids. Henry would also be missing his Date Nights with Harriet on Wednesday nights. He takes all of the information he has gathered before God in prayer and then discusses it with Harriet. They decide that it'd be better if Henry keeps his construction job and works some overtime, which they can put towards their children's college.

CASE SUDY #3:
Here is the final example, which is a "fun one". Sally is attending Someoneloves U., a small university in northern Wisconsin. Sally has often wondered when and if she'll ever meet "the one". Who will that person be and how will she ever find him at such a small college where the girls out number the guys nine to one? Sally knows that she should be looking for a Christian guy who has the same values and desires for the future that she does. Sally attends a small church Bible study each week and there are a few guys there who she gets along well with; Bill and Rick. There's also Steve from her chemistry class, but she knows he's not a Christian (That goes against God's commands; the first circle). Then it all boils down to Bill or Rick. Bill leads the Bible study at their church and is studying to be an engineer. Rick is very passionate about his faith, also, and is looking to be a doctor. Sally gets along well with both Bill and Rick and she thinks that both of them have an interest in her. Friday after Chemistry class Rick meets Sally and walks with her. He says that he really likes her and asks her out on a date. Sally is elated. That is until she gets back to her dorm room to find that Bill has slid a note under her door which simply reads, "Do you like me, check yes or no?" Now Sally is in a quandary. Who does she choose?

Quick Sally.....to the three circles! Sally thinks about Rick and Bill and they both meet God's commands for a Christian husband. On to circle two. Sally talks with her pastor at the church about both guys. Pastor Bob tells Sally that Bill is a great godly man, who loves to study God's Word. He has no reservations about Bill. But Rick is also a very godly man with a passion for God, his family, and puppies. "Wow Sally, you've got a tough decision." Okay all that's left is the third circle. Bill or Rick? Rick or Bill? Both guys seem like quality Christian guys whose future desires align with Sally. But which one is "the one". Don't flip that coin Sally! Here Sally has a choice to make. She has two options which both seem to align with God's plan for her future. Now she has to pray about it and choose one and trust that God will guide her and bless her with whomever she chooses. Sally must believe that God will bless her relationship and direct her in it, even in this quaint Wisconsin college of Someoneloves U.

I hope these 3 examples helped to clarify the three circles for ya.