Read through Proverbs in 31 days, Today’s reading is entitled “Avoid Things That Can Corrupt The Mind”
Read Proverbs 31 – Do you recall the days when your parents gave the great advice that the best way to keep out of trouble is to avoid the troublemakers? Although the accepted definition of “trouble” has changed greatly, the advice still applies that the best way to avoid sin is to stay away from the sinners who are participating in them. What types of things do you consider to be corrupters of the mind? This question may have brought drugs, alcohol and other things to mind, yet idols also corrupt the mind away from God. Now consider what you may consider an idol. No, it doesn’t necessarily have to be a buddha statue in your living room. As you have probably heard many times from the pulpit, money can be an idol as well as hobbies and anything else that you give priority over worship of God. One often misconstrued scripture comes from 1 Timothy – THE LOVE OF money is the root of all evil. Many people tend to leave those first few words out, yet God has given many people great wealth that has been used to build His Kingdom here on earth.
What else corrupts the mind?
- Wine is good for those who are in bitter distress so that they can forget their problems.
- Speak up for the poor and distressed so they can see justice in all situations.
- Spouses can draw you away from God if they demand first place in your life. A virtuous, capable and trustworthy wife is worth more than many treasures.
- Because help is given to the poor, there is no fear of lacking because your needs are met.
- A busy family will not suffer the effects experienced by their lazy neighbors.
Today we close with what your author believes to be one of the most important pieces of advice given in Proverbs – avoid the things that can draw you away from God. Most things can be good when taken in moderation – such as wine, wise investing of your resources, and working for God here on earth. Yes, even pastors burn out as they put religion and work before worshiping God. As we have seen in today’s reading, being too busy to maintain Godly worship falls in line with the condemnations of the lazy. Always attempt to maintain a balance in your commitments and remain willing to step away and recharge once the correct spiritual focus begins to decline.
Speak up for those who are not in a position to speak for themselves. Provide for them as God blesses your resources financially, personally and spiritually. When you focus on those who are less fortunate, God will provide the resources to continue that provision. Does this mean that resources will be immediately granted before, or when, they are needed? Definitely not, although anything is possible with God. You may hear stories of immediate financial provisions needed, but the check was mailed days or weeks before. On the flip side of that coin, you will hear of charities that provide for the needy with funding received on a month-to-month basis. Why do some have so much while others are greatly lacking? Only God can know that answer, and provide through those who are willing to accept His call. His call may come through dreams, as was the case with Jacob in Genesis 28, or through others who are greatly admired as “super spiritual.” When God is calling, listen and respond while the opportunity is present. Yes, God is continually calling, yet we have no idea how long we have on earth to accept His call. Death bed confessions exist and are real (refer to Jesus and the thief on the cross) but we are not even guaranteed that last second opportunity. Congratulations. You have reached the end of your 31-day Proverbs reading journey. Now that the habit has been formed, where do you want to go next? Are you feeling committed enough to read Genesis to Revelation in a year? If so, there is a resource called “Journey Along God’s Road To Revelation” that can help guide you through the year with a topical read each week (The Law, History, Psalms, Poetry, Prophecy, Gospels and Letters). Yes, this is also by Stephen Link. If you would prefer references acquired through the web, take a look at crosswalk.com, bibleplan.org, logos.com and many others. If you are not ready for that kind of commitment, an excellent scripture read to accomplish next is the book of Psalms. Bible.com has a 43-day devotional reading plan through the book of Psalms. Whatever method and focus you choose, be sure to continue your daily scripture reading … enjoy!
You can have this entire book with you all of the time, purchase Wisdom of Proverbs: Take the 31 Day Journey in print or EBook format.
