May 2010

Power?

There are certain qualities or traits that we value more than others. Sometimes we think that those who have money are most important. At other times we value those in positions of power, CEO’s, presidents, athletes, and others. In the Old Testament times military leaders were viewed with greater honor. Those who provided safety and security were valued very highly and rightly so. That is what makes Proverbs 16:32 so interesting.
 
Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city.
 
In an interesting twist, the writer of proverbs tells us it is better to be patient than powerful. Better to control your tongue and your actions than to be a great conqueror. That leads me to believe who we are and our character is more important thank what we do and what we have.

 

Cars

When was the last time you knew you needed help? I always need help when it comes to my cars. It can be something simple or more complex, I need some input from someone smarter than me. I have realized I don’t understand all I need to when it comes to vehicles. My dad is usually telling me when he is around that I get new tires or check the air pressure. I have a choice to make, listen or ignore the advice.
 
Solomon wrote this, “If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise.” Proverbs 15:31
 
In the case of my cars, if I listen to advice my cars will last longer and will be safer. If we listen to life giving counsel, we will find ourselves in the company of wise people. I know I want to be considered wise. I'm thinking that would be a great neighborhood to live in.

 

Hard Work

I just spent part of the day today volunteering at the school for Shideler City Streets. The 5th graders learn how to run businesses, advertize, run city hall, enforce laws and work hard. They also learn how to handle personal finances.
 
As the business owners and managers gave their final speeches to the class one of the recurring themes was that they learned running a business was a lot of hard work. In many ways they learned that life is a lot of work period. Anyone who owns a home knows that many hours of hard work are involved just in the maintenance of the home.
 
Proverbs 13:4 tells us this, "The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied." The NLT reads this way, "Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper."
 
There seems to be a correlation between hard work and having enough to be fully satisfied. When the Bible talks about being fully satisfied, it isn’t just for us and our family or you and your family. We are to use the blessings of life not just for ourselves but to affect those around us as well. 

 

Smoke in the Eyes

One of our kids favorite things is lighting a fire in our fire pit out by the pool and toasting marshallows or cooking hot dogs over the fire. It seems that no matter where I sit around the fire the smoke always seems to blow in the direction of my face. No matter how many times I move the smoke always seems to find me. I would enjoy cooking hot dogs and toasting marshmallows more if it wasn’t for the smoke. Smoke in your eyes is just no fun.
Proverbs 10:6 tells us this, “Lazy people irritate their employers, like vinegar to the teeth or smoke in the eyes.
I’m not sure I understand the vinegar in the teeth but I definitely get the smoke in the eyes. I don’t want to irritate my employer how about you?

 

Listening to mom has benefits

The older I get, which isn’t slowing down, the more I realize I should have listened better through out my life. When I was growing up I should have listened to my parents instruction more. I could have paid better attention in college and I could have learned more in many other situations.
The writer of proverbs gives us a great one liner to remember for all of life:
My son, obey your father’s commands,
and don’t neglect your mother’s instruction. Proverbs 6:20 
He also goes on to tell us the benefits to following the instruction,

When you walk, their counsel will lead you.
When you sleep, they will protect you.
When you wake up, they will advise you. Proverbs 6:22

That seems to be a good reason to listen to parents’ instruction.