Change of Scenery

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 5

Gold Nugget

Verse 8: “Remove your way far from her, and do not go near the door of her house,”

Commentary

I heard the old story about the guy that was trying to stop visiting the donut shop on the way to work every day. He boasted, “I challenged the Lord and told Him that I would take it as a sign that it was okay to stop by for a donut today if by some miracle there was a parking spot open right in front. And wouldn’t you know it? On the sixth trip around the block, one opened right up!” The truth is that guy didn’t stand a chance of driving by that donut shop without stopping in for some calories. His only hope is to do what I have heard people say they’ve done. I knew a guy that would drive out of his way everyday to avoid passing his particular choice of junk food. He was willing to do whatever it took to keep from being tempted. He would remove himself far from his weakness and steer clear of its door. Just as today’s “gold nugget” says, “Remove your way far from her, and do not go near the door of her house”.

It is hard to soar with the eagles when you’re surrounded by turkeys. If you play with fire, you’re going to get burned… and any other cliché you might think of. Despite the success and popularity of those old sayings, the scriptures say it best. “He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.” (Proverbs 13:20) or another, “Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” (2 Timothy 2:22) We can’t continue in the old patterns, paths, hangouts or companions if we are serious about change. We may need a change of scenery or maybe even (as the guy we discussed earlier), change our route or whatever it takes to go in the direction we are supposed to go. However, God has shown us that He wants to be different, and we may need to take extreme measures to be successful and obedient.

Prayer

Lord, we know that we may need to change several things in our routine or maybe even people that we associate with to rise to the challenges you’ve set before us. I pray that we will show you how much of a priority it is for us to obey you by taking whatever steps are needed. Amen

If you are reading this devotional in an e-mail and would like to post a comment, click on this link http://proverbfortoday.org/