Has anyone ever given you a suggestion that you thought was initially crazy or foolish, but later on you decided was a good idea? I’m sure there have been several things in our lives that took us a while to understand were actually good ideas. We may still be able to recite a few things that our parents had repeatedly said to us like a broken record in our head. I even joke that maybe my son will start to turn lights off behind him if he hears me remind him to do so after two thousand attempts. He generally complies with my request, but it is anything but an automatic response yet. Spouses may even make suggestions of how we should do things, or how to change our behavior in regard to eating, driving, dressing, relating to others, or a number of other things, but some things are accepted quickly, while others fall on deaf ears for years. What has helped you make the most significant changes in your life?
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7
There was a song from the early 90’s by Paul Overstreet called Mama’s Way of Thining which contained the refrain “Daddy’s come around to Mama’s way of thinking. No more staying out all night a’ drinking.” While it may take some a while to see the folly of their ways in regard to drinking and neglecting their family, there are likely people we know that would put a face on this and other scenarios where things turned out well, and some that did not. We have both good examples of people that change their lives for the better, and other examples of the consequences of bad choices and the devastation it leaves behind. I believe we all think that we are above the proverbial law when we say ‘those things don’t apply to me.’ Especially when we are young and lack experience, we may not heed any warnings from our elders or even friends till we face the consequences of our bad choices in one way or another. As we all get older, we hope that wisdom increases as well and we make better choices in regard to our own health as well as for those around us. Maybe you still like those foods that others say are not good for you, but you are making some changes that will improve your health in the long run. What do you now preach to others that you once thought was never going to be a part of your life?
A fool despises his father’s instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is prudent. Proverbs 15:5
How about when it comes to God’s Word…here have you had a change of heart in what you believe and share with others because you care about them? What kind of influence has the bible had in your day to day life, and how does it impact you still today? I would imagine if you call yourself a Christian, as some point you came to the realization of who Jesus is and what part He played in your salvation. That should be a life changing event right there. The ramifications of that may include, but not bel limited to how you spend money, relate to other people, raise a family, what you eat and drink, or any number of other things. Does God still compel you to make changes in your life today, and what kind of person is he conforming you to be? Take a look in the mirror and what do you see?
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 2 Peter 3:9
Yours in Christ,
Clark
