What SHOULD We Be Doing? (Part II)

SCRIPTURE: “ Let your eyes look directly ahead, and let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you…   Do not turn to the right nor to the left; turn your foot from evil.”  Proverbs 4:25(a), 27

“Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold,” says Matthew 24:12.  (The next time some distracted, or simply rude driver cuts you off in traffic, by the way, it’s a good idea to to simply look straight ahead; don’t engage them visually at all!  I may have “eyeballed” such rudeness twenty-five years ago—but not since!  Have you noticed, dear reader, that people in general seem much more easily provoked these days? In light of this increasing reality, an extra added blessing of prioritizing our time in God’s Word is that it reminds us of the need to employ greater wisdom, patience, and discernment in our human  interactions with loved ones and strangers alike! (Within the church and beyond its walls).  Matthew 7:12 supports this principle:  “However you want people to treat you, so treat them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”  If we are neglecting our special time with Jesus—the One we call our LORD, trouble with our fellow human beings is inevitable, generally speaking.  (It should also be stated that sometimes being a serious Christ follower can draw the revilement of others, as well—make NO mistake)!  
   
 Secondly, if we desire to live boldly and actively for Christ in these times, we should purpose to “build relationships with family and friends,” not forsaking discernment in doing so.  We still must be circumspect about our choice of close friends and wise in our engagements with relatives who may still be spiritually lost.  (1 Cor. 15:33 should never be ignored; nor should any of the Spirit’s decrees)!  Evil companions [and amoral or unprincipled acquaintances/ friends or relatives] corrupt good morals.
   
 Lastly, in light of the fact that we shall ALL stand before Jesus to give an account for what we did down here in His great name, we are extremely wise  to invest in the work of our Lord and Savior!  Invest in those activities, saints, that God promises will yield ETERNAL DIVIDENDS!  (Rev. 22:12) These biblical principles sound like excellent counsel to me, family!  I pray that they resonate with you as well!

PRAYER:  Dear LORD, let us not, as Your blood-purchased people, look to the left, nor look to the right; but grant us an earnest desire to be consumed with You, O precious Bread of Life!

(By Denise Diggs)