Lifestyle (June3)

A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.

Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint.

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.
                               From Proverbs 22 and 23 NIV

The above three verses comment on our values, on wisdom, and on the examples we show our children by our life and daily choices we make.  In fewer words, they comment on our values, time and teaching.  In one word, they comment on our lifestyle.

The statement, 'To be esteemed is of greater value than gold or silver,' places greater value on other's thoughts of high regard or admiration of one than one's own gold or silver.  Certainly one who is admired by others has a community, a circle of care that in time of need will give more comfort than gold, silver, possessions or money in the bank.

The gift of wisdom to show restraint allows us free time to spend with/on family, interests, hobbies, worship, prayer or other pasttimes.  That allowance of free time is such a blessing.  Remember, God took a day of rest after His acts of creation.  The Hebrew in Egypt took a day of rest.  Do we in America take a day of rest?  Are we wearing ourselves out?

Consider the first two verses as you read the third verse and reflect on how our children are such excellent observers of us and, believe it or not, want to reflect our examples in their lives. 

A businessman gave advice one day that an enterprise should focus on service, quality and cleanliness to succeed.  If the focus was on something else, eg. the bottom line...failure often followed.  My father, as I was growing up, often commented on the value of being able to sleep at night.

Live Today was a short morning devotional program that was on TV in the Twin Cities some 49 years ago.  The title encourages us to live today.  Another phrase that encourages living today and uses monitary words to convey time has value is: Yesterday is a cancelled check, tomorrow is a promissary note, today is cash...Use it!  

We, as Christians need to consider the businessman's advice as we live today, as we carry out the great commission and as we train up our children.

Two songs from the 70's also may come to mind that reflect a tone that in a way relates to the above thoughts: Dust in the Wind by Kansas, 1977; and Cat's in the Cradle by Harry Chapin, 1974. 

What concepts encourage, motivate or support you as you go through the day?  In other words, where do you look for your daily bread?

How can others tell by your actions where you find your daily bread?

What actions might you change to allow more fruit of the Spirit or things of eternal value to grow?

Pray for the Spirit to guide you to live a balanced Christian lifestyle that lights the path for others.

In Christ,


David P