“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” (Proverbs 11:25, NIV)
Today’s scripture turns conventional wisdom on its head.
Conventional wisdom says that one prospers by conserving. God’s wisdom says that the more we give, the more we are given.
Will you accept the challenge to be a liberal, cheerful, giver of your time, talent, and treasure? – Luther
“Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.” (Proverbs 10:17, NIV)
In what things do we display “discipline”?
Is it in the practice of unceasing prayer? Is it in the practice of hospitality? Is it in the practice of humility? Is it in the practice of valuing time in worship with others?
Know it or not; like it or not, our children, and our peers, and our co-workers, and our neighbors, and the casual stranger are watching us live our lives. Do they see within us a discipline that “shows the way to life”?
Conversely, when we ignore discipline and correction, our lives shift to a path that leads nowhere — and know it or not; like it or not, others follow.
Heeding the discipline of healthy and holy habits not only delivers us, but it delivers others to life, as well. – Luther
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18, NIV)
Jesus expects His followers to not only get-along with one another, but with everybody else!
There are limits to what we should tolerate, but when we must disagree, we should endeavor to do so without becoming disagreeable.
The persons to whom Paul was writing were seeking to live for Christ in Rome; which was — and is — a diverse, fast-paced, place with more than its share of people with strong opinions, and differing beliefs and values.
There is a desire within most of us to have things our way, and we get brittle when other people seem to be thwarting our plans. This is not new to anyone. What is new to most people is a conciliatory (instead of a confrontational) manner. “Blessed are the peacemakers.” – Luther
