Instructions

We largely live in a generation that doesn't like to be told what or how to do things, even to our own embetterment.

Our independent nature and a strong cultural sense of entitlement has caused many to turn a deaf ear to anyone who informs or instructs on how we should live.

Sure we are open to a feel good session on blessings, prosperity and living well and healthy. But when it comes to the lessons on the virtues of suffering, sacrificial giving or denying personal rights, we shut down immediately and resist to be open to any truth it offers.

Proverbs 4 encourages us to embrace instruction from which flows true wisdom and understanding for a godly and goodly life. We are told, "The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Cherish her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. (verses 7-8, NIV).

It's easy to be reactionary rather than stepping back to evaluate and assess the circumstance or problem by asking God for His input on the matter. I have rights! How I feel matters! Beloved, we are to be a praying people asking the mind of God in every matter that touches our lives. We are promised that "When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble." (verse 12). His wisdom keeps us from going off the rails and veneering into a foolish ditch of our own making!

As an example, the Lord is instructing me to be careful what I say at work. I tend to talk at random about nearly every subject to pass the time. Until the Holy Spirit reminds me there should be no foolish (vain or empty) chatter but thanksgiving (Ephesians 5:4). When I ramble on and on it's much more difficult to pray.

Beloved, we live in sobering times that require His divine wisdom. In the days ahead we will need wisdom and cleared minded thinking because as a nation we are heading into a storm, the likes that the world as yet to see.