The one thing in life that I think everyone is looking for is safety, whether in this life or the next. The insurance industry is booming, in house security systems as well. There was a time in America when one did not have to lock the doors to a house or a car. People looked out for each other. Today the attitude of the average American has changed. Most everyone is looking out for the most important person, themselves. The Lord does not want that to be the attitude of the average Christian, however. This is why He has prescribed certain ways to live so that less focus can be placed on ourself and more can be directed at him and our fellow man. The closer we walk with Christ, the less we have to worry about ourselves.
"My son, let the not escape from your sight, but keep sound wisdom and discretion, and they will be life to your inner self, and be a gracious ornament to your neck [your outer self]." Proverbs 3:21-22, Amplified
The prescription of wisdom and discretion is never going to be harmful to one's self. In fact, it is commanded to us for that very purpose. Solomon encourages his son to not allow for wisdom and discretion to be lost for two distinct reasons. First, they will be life to the inner being of a person. Sin has a way of sapping everything out of us as well as effecting our insides. Drugs and alcohol do such harm to the body as well as smoking; sex with anyone other than your spouse has a way of tearing you apart from the inside out, not just because of the fornication but also the possibility of sexually transmitted diseases. The second reason is for the purpose of the outer self. Wisdom and discretion can have great influence on the way a person views us. Great men have taken even greater falls because of lack of discretion; Marion Berry and Bill Clinton just to name two. These men lived great political lives until lack of discretion assisted in their falls. Americans remember less of their contributions to America, but do remember clearly the circumstances surrounding their falls.
"Then you will walk on your way securely and in confident trust, and you shall not dash your foot or stumble. When you lie down you shall not be afraid; yes, you shall lie down and your sleep shell be sweet." Proverbs 3:23-24, Amplified
If wisdom and discretion are kept, we will also live peaceful lives. First we have to realize that these two concepts effect the way we see ourselves. the way people see us and the health of our human bodies. Then we must come to the conclusion that wisdom and discretion have a tremendous effect on our lifestyles. Either in action or rest, there will be peace and security for the one who keeps wisdom and discretion. Wisdom and discretion keep one from stumbling into sin as well as allowing for that same person to rest easily. When one is involved in sin, there is a paranoia that usually accompanies. We are constantly trying to cover the tacks of lies and misdeeds so that no one finds out what we have done. But to the one who has no shame in his actions because they are not sinful has a confident walk as well as a peaceful sleep.
"Be not afraid of sudden terror and panic, nor of the stormy blast or the storm of ruin of the wicked when it comes [for you will be guiltless], for the Lord shall be your confidence, firm and strong, and shall keep your foot from being caught [in a trap or hidden danger]." Proverbs 3:25-26, Amplified
With wisdom and discretion also come a peacefulness and assuredness. This peacefulness is going to be different than that spoken of in the prior two verses. It is a peacefulness of the soul. There will come a time when all will have to answer for their deeds. The one who has kept wisdom and discretion close at hand will not be caught in the snares of sin, therefore he will walk in confidence.
There is a dichotomy in this life; a very distinct and defined separation of those who walk in wisdom and discretion as opposed to those who do not. One lifestyle offers peace, safety and confidence while the other offers none of this but peace, safety and confidence must come within oneself. Man cannot facilitate access to heaven by works or faith or any other means. However, walking in wisdom and discretion, the access to heaven in opened for us through the blood of Jesus Christ.
No comments:
Post a Comment