“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 a lifestyle 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
“Don’t let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator. Honor him in your youth before you grow old and say, ‘Life is not pleasant anymore.'” (Ecclesiastes 12:1, NLT)
To “honor God” is to give weight to His will and His way in all that you do.
We “dishonor” God when we “dis” (as in “disregard,” “dismiss,” and “discard”) His invitations.
Most of us do not think of ourselves as “old” (even if we’ve passed the two-thirds point of our life expectancy). For such people — in particular — the words of Ecclesiastes have a message: Honor God while you can! Do not allow what the bible calls “the pride of life” to cause you to forget your Creator.
All living things are like grass: Waxing in the springtime, then waning in the autumn. All living things are like the flower: Fading at the end of its day.
It is far better at the end of our days — when our strength is waning — to have memories of God’s love, care, and faithfulness. Employ your vigor to make more such memories today! – Luther
