“Directions for life”
By Rev. Michael Stonhouse
Meditation – Saturday, September 21, 2024
Proverbs 3: 1-6 (Forward, p. 54) CEV p. 649
I’m not sure just how people managed without maps and compasses or roadside signs or car or cell phone directional systems. Sometimes they didn’t, with the consequences that on occasion they got lost—with frightful and devastating consequences.
This came to mind very forcibly on a recent road trip to Medicine Hat and back. Twice we made a wrong turn, possibly because of missing a sign or not having a sign at all. (In neither case were we paying proper attention to our map, which would have guided us aright). Anyway, there were two things that alerted us: a change in the type of pavement in one case, and an indication of a different highway number on our dashboard in the other.
Today’s reading from the Proverbs waxes eloquent about the need for proper directions, for proper directions for life:
“My child, remember my teachings and instructions and obey them completely. They will help you live a long and prosperous life” (verses 1-2).
These teachings and instructions do not come just ‘from anywhere’ but from the Lord:
“With all your heart you must trust the Lord and not your own judgment. Always let him lead you, and he will clear the road for you to follow. Don’t ever think that you are wise enough, but respect the Lord and stay away from evil” (verses 5-7).
These teachings and instructions are far better than a printed map—which can get rapidly out of day as road systems are updated or modified. And far better than physical road signs, which may become outdated or missing. And even GPS can fail to account for changes in streets or avenues, and new developments like rapid light transit or one-way streets. Only God’s directions, as found primarily in His written word, stands the test of time and can be counted upon as reliable and trustworthy. Then, however, there is a catch: we have to read and study it, and then be guided by it and obey it. But thanks be to God that it is available.
Forward notes: “My child, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments” (verse 1).
“I was a good child, at least according to my grandmother, who would often take my sisters and me to visit various friends and relatives. She doted on us and loved showing us off to her friends, praising our good works and well-mannered nature.
“My claim to fame was that I kept a tidy room. I enjoyed basking in the glow of her praises, and to this day, I take pride in tidiness. I work best in an organized space.
“It’s ironic, then, that for most of my childhood, a handmade sign hung on the door of my bedroom that read, ‘Bless this mess.’ Over the years, I’ve come to realize that perhaps it’s not cleanliness that’s next to godliness but rather the process of how we clean up the inevitable messes where we can let God’s grace shine.”
Moving Forward: “How can you focus less on the end result and more on the learning and grace of cleaning up?”