22/12/07

Walking the tightrope

"In those days there was no king in Israel; each man did that which was proper in his own eyes." Judges 21:25

While people have common sense to lead them to do right and avoid wrong, they also face another obstacle that could cause them to stray from the correct path - the drive for immediate gratification. Seeking immediate gratification can mislead us like a bribe. The Bible accurately states that a bribe will blind the eyes of even the wise, keep them from receiving the goodness痴 of life and life it self. (Deuteronomy 16:19-20) Thus, we only do what is proper when our "eyes" function well. Be on guard against temptations that may affect your sense of propriety and justice.

We should go through life the way tightrope walkers maintain their delicate balance: when they feel a tug on one side, they lean toward the opposite side. When we feel tempted by something, our first reaction should be to steer ourselves away from it. Only then can we apply our common sense and decide what to do. Once we recognize and control our desire to impress others and our drive for immediate gratification, then only will we be able to exercise proper judgment and receive the graceful judgment of God.


[ Prayer for the Day ]

LORD thank you for speaking to me through your Word. Help me to abide in it and live it, that I may receive your grace and promises of prosperity in my complete life. I ask this prayer in Jesus' Name Amen.


[ Reference Scriptures ]

Deuteronomy 16:19-20
¹⁹ Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.
²⁰ That which is altogether just shalt thou follow, that thou mayest live, and inherit the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

The Word of God was given free to us, therefore we should also share it freely with others. (All rights are with God)