Partial Blindness

 He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.
Proverbs 28:27

While we may have 20/20 vision, we are often partially blind. We choose to only see what we want not what is visible. While we may easily see a homeless person begging for money or a couple struggling through the early stages leading to divorce, what do we really see? Solomon alludes to us "hiding our eyes" in the verse above and I agree. We only choose to "see" what we want to see.

Do we see the need? Or are we too busy to give of our time or money? Hence we only see another despondent person without hope for tomorrow and we appease our conscience by simply writing another check to an appropriate charity. God doesn't only ask for our money - He wants all of us. This includes our heart, time, experience and comforting words. Many times, money will not suffice but a listening ear that is backed by a compassionate heart is more appreciated.

Ask God to show you how to respond when you actually "see" the struggles of others.

 

Danger Ahead

A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.
Proverbs 27:12

While teaching our children to drive, I stress looking ahead - what posted signs do you see and what obstacles lay ahead that can come into your path. While there may not be anything directly in their path, vehicles, children playing or changing red lights can quickly change their driving path and present obstacles.

The same is true with our spiritual life. While we may be enjoying a closeness with God, there are many obstacles ahead that can quickly change our relationship with our Savior. We need to be able to recognize these challenges and respond accordingly. Solomon gives us great advice in the verse above - when we see evil, we need to hide our self in God's love and protection.

While many of the challenges are easily recognizable, many are not. It is hard for us to discern the subtle snares that lay ahead. It is only through a closeness with God that we are able to recognize them and respond accordingly before it is too late. Jesus promised us the Holy Ghost would "teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you" (John 14:26). Let God's Holy Spirit warn you of the dangers ahead so that you can avoid them and remain in His loving grace.

Back-Fired Plans

Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.
Proverbs 26:27

Too often, we try to take matters into our own hands instead of letting God be in charge. This is especially true when it comes to our enemies. We feel that we must plan and execute a strategy to get even and seek revenge. Did God not protect the Israelites for thousands of years in the Old Testament? Did He not take care of His chosen ones throughout the New Testament? Does He still not take care of His children today? Then what makes us think we can do better than God? Romans 12:19 states - "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord."

Yet we continue to try to interject our own vengeance. Solomon warns us above that when we plot against others, our plans backfire upon us. Don't we have enough trouble dealing with the issues presented by our detractors without creating havoc for ourselves? Give up on the revenge business and let God take care of it. He knows better than we in all things - especially how to really get at someone where it really hurts. Otherwise, we will only be creating more misery for ourselves when our plans backfire!