Page 25 - Living Light 88

Wednesday March 26 - How we live
Now then, my sons, listen to me; do not turn aside from what I say.
Proverbs 5:7
There is a well-known Greek myth called ‘The Odyssey’ in which the main character, Odysseus, takes ten years to return home from the Trojan Wars. One of his many trials on route was to navigate a course past the ‘Sirens’ – depicted as beautiful women – whose songs lured sailors on to the rocks and to their ruin.
Christians hear so many voices that seek to lure us away from God’s word. These voices might sound plausible, attractive and enticing, but if they lead us away from sound Christian teaching and a faithful Christian lifestyle they will be ruinous. ‘Do not turn aside from what I say,’ urges the proverb. This warning is still set within the context of sexual morality. We see this in the next verse: ‘Keep to a path far from her (the adulterous woman)’.
I’m reminded of the way that Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce Joseph in Egypt (see Genesis 39:6-12). He was resolute in refusing her advances, and when she became insistent he literally ran away from her. Rather than trying to reason with her, he put some distance between them and fled the situation. It is too easy to be led astray in our thinking and behaviour and to listen to alluring voices. We need Christ’s strengthening Holy Spirit to keep us on the straight and narrow, as the saying goes. Do not turn aside!
Our Father in heaven, lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil (Matthew 6:13). Amen.
Thursday March 27 - Guidance, correction & reproof
And I was soon in serious trouble in the assembly of God’s people.
Proverbs 5:14
Please start today’s reflection by carefully re-reading Proverbs 5:11-14. The ‘serious trouble’ referred to above is the result of failing to heed discipline, correction and instruction. I’m notoriously bad at reading instructions when I purchase a new appliance, and when I get into trouble my wife comes to the rescue. That’s a trivial matter when compared to a life where Christian discipline is despised, where correction is spurned and where instruction is ignored. Such a cavalier approach to God’s discipline will land us in ‘serious trouble’.
A disciple is one who is nurtured under the good and loving discipline of the Lord. ‘Disciple’ and ‘discipline’ are closely connected. Proverbs 3:11-12 tells us not to reject the Lord’s discipline because he disciplines those whom he loves – a truth which is expanded upon in Hebrews 12:4-11. The Lord’s discipline is his way of growing faithfulness within us; it’s a positive thing, not something judgmental or punitive.
When Paul wrote to Timothy, he noted that God’s word – the Scriptures – serves to teach, correct, train, rebuke and encourage (2 Timothy 3:16 - 4:4). Remember that, whilst this is true in all of life, in this context it is particularly applicable to the way we conduct our relationships. The self-indulgent notion of ‘if it feels good, do it’ is selfish, ill-disciplined, and so often is ruinous. Our Maker knows best!
Heavenly Father, you know what is best for me; help me to welcome your good and loving discipline in all things. Amen.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
PRAYER FOR TODAY
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