Scripture: Proverbs 1 v 7 - 19.
Verse 7: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of
knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction."
The fear (respect for) the Lord is the beginning of
knowledge and wisdom. We should respect His instructions and comply with them,
for those who shun them are called fools. If sinners entice you do not agree
with them. If they put you under peer pressure to do evil stay away from
them. It is more beneficial to please
Jesus than to fall into trouble pleasing people.
If you know that what you are doing is hurting those who
love and pray for you, seek help. Ask Jesus to show you how to resist these
temptations. Separate yourself from those who call themselves friends but who
oppose the righteous ways of Jesus. They mock our gracious Lord and use His
mighty name as a curse word. They reject His salvation and want to impose their
loose living upon you.
The Lord is not mocked. He knows who are His. If you are
born again and still running with the crowd of sinners beware lest they drag
you back into the world and you lose the blessings you have gained. It happens so subtly that you don't notice
the effect of ungodly people on the way you think and behave.
It is a privilege and honour to be part of the Lord's
family. Don't be like Esau who threw away his birthright for a plate of stew.
Rather let the obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ be an ornament of grace upon
your head.
Prayer: Heavenly Father we have to learn obedience as it
does not come naturally to us. Please help us to be willing to learn so that
You will be pleased with us. In Jesus' name. Amen.