WATCHWORD:
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27
Meditation:
Wisdom and Choice
The Daily Stoic reminded us of George Washington’s favorite saying: “Many mickles make a muckle.” The author goes on to explain that it was a Scottish proverb that illustrates a truth – things add up. Even little ones. Even one day at a time, builds. Wisdom.
I’m sure you have heard the Chinese saying: “A Journey of a 1000 miles begins with one step.” This was attributed to Lao Tzu or Laozi, a Chinese philosopher, believed to have lived in the 6th century BC. We know, from our own experience, that is a proverb filled with truth. Wisdom from ancient times.
If we looked with uncompromising eyes at what we do day in and day out, over time, we see things that will shape us into the future, for better or for worse. Think about it. What you read. Your daily routine. The training you have had. The rules you follow. The habits you cultivate day to day and practiced over a lifetime. All those, taken together, with love and compassion, can create greatness and a good life. Conversely, anger, isolation and an unforgiving nature can create a ‘nothingness’ and a lonely life of sadness. Wisdom.
We sometimes make life too complicated, responding to the voices all around us and within. You say you follow Christ, so, in reality, why not follow Him? If you are following the world, your mind is not fixed on Him. In a recent Jesus Calling, Jesus tells us “Be content to be a simple sheep, listening for my voice and following me. I will lead you into restful green pastures and guide you along paths of righteousness.”
I wonder if we somehow discount what the Bible teaches because it is “religious”, and we miss the point that it contains practical seeds of a contented life of joy. It’s our choice.
The John passage in The Message, translated into today’s vernacular, speaks directly to us:
25-30 Jesus answered, “I told you, but you don’t believe. Everything I have done has been authorized by my Father, actions that speak louder than words. You don’t believe because you’re not my sheep. My sheep recognize my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them real and eternal life. They are protected from the Destroyer for good. No one can steal them from out of my hand. The Father who put them under my care is so much greater than the Destroyer and Thief. No one could ever get them away from him. I and the Father are one heart and mind.”
Did you get that? He gives us real and eternal life! A ready and strong defense against the forces of evil in the world. So be it.
Scraps of Wisdom:
- Be confident in yourself. “Nobody can make you feel inferior without your permission.” — …
- Always be looking forward. “You can never plan the future by the past.” — …
Closing Prayer:
Lord, We are Your handiwork, created for Your pleasure, and You have set in place a purpose for each one of us. Before the foundation of the world, You also prepared good works for us to do. Give us wisdom as we carry-out Your purpose in our home, neighborhood, where we work, or wherever You call us to serve.
I pray You will establish the work of our hands and make our efforts successful. Show us how to follow Your purpose for us daily and give us joy and a grateful heart in our efforts. When it comes to our work in Your Kingdom—when we share the gospel message, teach us how to speak Your words of life and model godly wisdom before others. We want a spirit of wisdom that will enlighten our eyes to know the hope we have in You—and we want that for others, as well. In Jesus’ name, amen.
