Proverbs 23:
17 Do not let your heart envy sinners, But live in the fear of the LORD always.
18 Surely there is a future, And your hope will not be cut off.
It is critical we be ever mindful of being reverent toward FATHER for it is childish and irresponsible to walk in any other manner. Our future is dependent upon our priorities today and giving up that future for temporary pleasures has no merit whatsoever. Let the wisdom found in hearing HIS Voice be our guide. Notice that little word “always” which means- all, the whole, every, totality, everything. There are no exceptions to this admonition. We are not observers watching life go by but we are truly integral to FATHER’S Plan and we must take our purpose seriously.
The life of a sinner is made up of constant turmoil and chaos whether he admits it or not. There is a constant craving to have that emptiness filled with something thus the sinner looks to the external to fill the internal. It just won’t work. Some end up succumbing to their addictions whereas others take their own lives. Yet others immerse themselves in the make believe in order to find some solace. Correctional judgment comes upon people to wake them up to their path of destruction. Sometimes it is mild yet other times extreme measures are required to break up the ground in the heart:
13 Do not hold back discipline from the child, Although you strike him with the rod, he will not die.
14 You shall strike him with the rod and rescue his soul from Sheol.
Correction is a necessary part of life and rather than submitting to the sensual wisdom of men, we must trust FATHER to lead us and guide us. If you see someone heading toward a cliff which leads to certain death, do you take extreme measures to save them or do you concern yourself with their feelings? There are times we must sacrifice the short term for the long term and “everlasting life” IS the long term view.
Proverbs 13:
24 He who withholds his rod hates his son,
But he who loves him disciplines him diligently.
25 The righteous has enough to satisfy his appetite,
But the stomach of the wicked is in need.
We are in need of diligent discipline by FATHER and if we embrace that discipline in reverence then there will be less need in the future for we will become like HIM. Let us not complain about our situation but look for what needs to be learned in regard to where we are at. FATHER is consistently teaching and correcting us so we will have our days lengthened and fulfill our calling. Those who resist HIM have chosen otherwise and will suffer the judgment associated with the hardness of heart.
Let us begin our day by acknowledging FATHER, HIS Son, and HIS Holy Spirit for to do so is life to those who embrace this act and intent of reverence. Let our hearts be pliable and fertile ground for HIS Word to produce good fruit to be eaten by all those we encounter. Let us set aside the foolishness of a child in need of correction and let us become mature for service to HIS Mandate of Love. Let us focus on HIS priorities rather than some temporary, soulish endeavor. In the end HE will satisfy our soul:
Isaiah 58:11 The LORD will guide you continually,
And satisfy your soul in drought,
And strengthen your bones;
You shall be like a watered garden,
And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.