OH! The wisdom found in these chapters!!! If I were to begin telling you the stories of my life that I am reminded of when I read these verses, we'd be here all day! And, besides, I'm sure that there are verses that mean so much more to you because of your own life experience. But one thing seemed to stick out to me while reading these particular chapters, today. I have a friend in my life who tells her older children whenever they are going out, "Remember Whose you are and Whom you represent." Having said that, allow me to share my heart with you...
Remember Whose you are! There are several lectures given in these chapters, given by a father to his son. They each open with a plea for the son to listen, the message, and often a plea to listen again because God is watching. This father advises his son on many subjects: get wisdom, guard your heart, watch your mouth, direct your eyes, plan your steps, avoid promiscuity, embrace pure love, don't sign surety, work hard, don't be lazy, don't flirt with temptation, and so many more. This is a father who has learned a few things about this life we live!!! He knows that God's ways are higher....often times harder.....but always better. He has bought you with a price, therefore honor God with your body.
Remember Whom you serve! The Holy Spirit has inspired these words as a reminder that not only is God watching us, but He is our ever-present help. God is near. And, ladies.....what you can hide from your friends, cannot be hidden from your God. Where ever you go, whatever you do, whatever you say, He is watching....listening....guiding. You represent Him. You are the hands and feet of Christ. Your choices affect eternity, and you never know who is watching you! Know this one thing, the Lord is watching. His eyes roam to and fro....not in some "I-can't-wait-til-ya-mess-up-so-I-can-slap-ya-with-this-lightning-bolt" kinda way, but in an "I-can't-wait-to-catch-you-doing-something-good-so-I-can-strengthen-your-heart" kinda way! (And you know how I feel about "hearts"!)
Ladies, it doesn't take much forethought to live a life of sin. It doesn't really take any planning at all! The world would have you believe that this place is bettering itself and that we are "spontaneously reaching higher levels of development." I think you and I know differently. Left to our own, we would perish. But, if we seek after Him and follow His ways, we will live. He's called us to be humble, gentle, patient, kind, loving, peaceful, and united! Why is this so important??? Eternity is on the line! It takes a huge amount of effort to live the life worthy of the calling we have received, but I have to believe that it's worth it!
