Bumpers

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 23

Gold Nugget

Verse 2: And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite.

Commentary

Although very harsh if taken literally, today’s “gold nugget” goes well with what Jesus said in the “Sermon on the Mount”. While teaching them He said, “ 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. ” (Matthew 5:29-30) I’ve subscribed to the “bumper” approach to walking in the Spirit. Have you ever gone bowling and had such a horrible game that you would have been better off putting the bumpers up? Although technically cheating, it will ensure you of staying out of the “gutters”. What about staying out of the “gutter” of sin? I have several measures that I take to install “bumpers” in my life. It can be as simple as avoiding “pay-per-view” options from the cable company. It could be said that a person with self control should be able to have “pay-per-view” options and just refrain from programming that would be considered inappropriate. Well I say, isn’t the conscious choice to avoid “pay-per-view” options exercising self control? Sure it is. Knowing your weaknesses is an attribute of wisdom. Installing “bumpers” in those areas is not only self control, but profound wisdom. My mom always says, “Don’t go grocery shopping when you’re hungry.” It could be said that hungry or not, you should be able to shop without being influenced by your belly. Like they say, “The best offence is a good defense”. If you want to make good spiritual progress, you need to have boundaries in place. Setting them yourself is not only wise, it’s of absolute necessity. I like the extreme measures illustrated in today’s “gold nugget” and Jesus’ words in the “Sermon on the Mount.” Establishing “bumpers” in your life may be big sacrifices. Not that you should need to mutilate yourself, but they may be as difficult as suffering your pride and putting up the “bumpers” at the bowling alley or even as difficult as modifying your cables subscription options. What bumpers do you need to install in your life?

Prayer

Lord, I want to be able to see the areas of my life where I am weak and need bumpers. I know that with your help I can endure anything, but I also know that when you reveal to me my weakness, it is your way of helping me. I just need to take preventative measures to avoid putting myself in tempting situations. Amen

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