Crayons For Jesus


Tuesday, January 6, 2009 Print E-mail
Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on. Proverbs 4:15

The antecedent to the pronoun it in this verse is revealed in verse 14. It refers to the path of the wicked. Throughout the book of Proverbs we are warned to avoid the way of the wicked. The fruit of the wicked begins with a hostile spirit and leads a soul’s ultimate destruction. Here again we are reminded to keep ourselves far from the path of the wicked.

In order to protect ourselves from the fruits of sin and the end result of wickedness, we must avoid sin at all costs. Sin begins in thought and is often a showing of an inward problem. When we begin to look at sin as a symptom of unrighteous thought, we can begin to bring our minds before Christ so that they might be renewed and changed.

The story of our lives is often equated with a path or a journey. We are encouraged to keep to the path of the righteous. This means following God and turning from the path of wickedness.

To do so means to follow God’s map and not the map of our own minds or desires. Sin is often prompted by a thought. That thought is like a sign on a highway advertising various things along the route. As we continue to focus on those signs, those temptations and the power of their direction increase. As we are continually reminded of these road stops, we are more apt to veer off course. We cannot let this happen. We must not allow it to happen. We must become Christ focused in thought so that our actions can reflect the change going on within us.

At the same time that we are warned, we are reminded of repentance. “Turn away from it” is nearly identical to the definition of repentance; that is, to turn from. We are human and are prone to our own desires, especially if we meditate on them.  If we begin to near the path of the wicked or we find ourselves on such a path, we can still turn from it. Once we turn from it we can “pass on” and begin journeying back where God originally meant for us to go.

You do not have to find yourself at a dead end or down a dark alley before turning around. Grace provides the exit to a dead end side street. Just as easily as you were drawn off course, you can take hold of God’s grace and allow him to turn you back around.

Grace provides the opportunity for repentance, and where there is repentance there is the opportunity for redirection.

While it is impossible for you to turn yourself around, it is possible for God to do so. Stay far from the path of the wicked. Remember though, that should you veer off course, you are capable of allowing God to redirect you. Allow him to change the thoughts and the spirit that make us more vulnerable to sin starting today. He will prove faithful and will place you back on the path and towards the prize he has in store for you!

Faithful God,
We are imperfect. You understand that we are so vulnerable to the temptations of this world. God, remind us of your grace and help us to turn back before it is too late. As we begin to trade the darkness of an alley, let your light of truth and your light of redemption lead us to repentance. Father, our sin originates from a problem with our thoughts and a problem within ourselves. Guide us into resolution of those thoughts and those problems. Begin to change the spirit within us that is so apt and ready to veer off course. Help us to have tunnel vision for you. Teach us how to let you be the driver and give us patience as the passenger. We invite you to take control and ask that you change us father, to be truer to the road we are meant for and truer to you. Amen.