A “WORD OF WISDOM” TO RICH CHRISTIANS from Apostle Paul… “As for the rich in this present age, don’t be haughty, or set your hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy! Do good, be rich in good works, be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for yourselves as a good foundation for the future, so that you may take hold of that which is truly life!” (Adapted from 1 Timothy 6:17–19)
I’ve taken some long road trips… Journeying through a lot of different towns, quite a few states, several different highways, and through a lot of intersections… Plenty of opportunities to get sidetracked, take a wrong turn and just plain get lost. Take it from me… even GPS is fallible (I’ve discovered that the hard way)!!
Life is like that. Every day there are plenty of opportunities to take a wrong road! The passage I read today in Proverbs identified two different ways… “THE WAY OF WISDOM – THE PATH OF THE RIGHTEOUS” – AND “THE WAY OF THE WICKED.” And the passage recommends AN INFALLIBLE GPS (GODLY-POSITIONING SYSTEM) and the reliable and accurate map for dealing with life’s twists and turns, poorly marked roads, tempting (but dangerous) pathways and just plain old ruts and ditches – the Bible. Here’s what the passage says…
“Hear, and accept My words, that the years of your life may be many. I have taught you the way of wisdom; I have led you in the paths of uprightness. When you walk, your step will not be hampered, and if you run, you will not stumble. Keep hold of instruction; do not let go; guard her, for she is your life. Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of the evil. Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on… But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day. The way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know over what they stumble.” (from Proverbs 4:10–19 ESV)
You know the “rap” on men – on “husbands” and dads – don’t you? They are not willing to ask directions or consult a map. Consequently, they are continually getting lost and losing valuable time correcting their errors in navigation. I don’t want to be like that on the road of life! Going to pay attention to the Lord! – Going to consult the map – God’s word!
How deep and devoted is the commitment of an authentic Christ-follower to their God? Good question, eh? The passage in my Bible reading today from “the prophets” during “coffee with the Lord” addressed that issue (Daniel 3)!
The story is often referred to as “The three Hebrew children in the fiery furnace” – the problem however, is this account in the Bible did not happen to “children” – it happened to three young men, in a pagan land, who had achieved significant positions of influence.
The pressure was on! The powerful world leader in Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar by name, had granted these young Hebrew men, positions of influence. Nebuchadnezzar apparently wanted no disloyalty or lack of unity. So he constructed a huge golden statue (“image”) 90 feet tall in his name and issued an edict that all in his kingdom must bow to it and “worship” it or face a terrible death by burning.
These young Hebrew who reverenced the Lord and His “law” refused! Regardless of the pressure! Regardless of its impact on their professional advancement! Regardless of the threat on their lives, they refused!
Here it is in their own words: “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, ‘O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.’” (From Daniel 3:16–18 ESV)
In my opinion these young people evidenced the character, courage, and commitment of God-fearing individuals who have faced persecution and martyrdom down through the ages! Revelation 2:10 echoes the commitment and faithfulness of believers that have faced pressure and persecution down through the ages (and especially will be faced in “the last days”) along with God’s promise… “Do not fear what you are about to suffer! Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days [i.e. a short period of time] you will have tribulation. BE FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH [even if your faithfulness results in death], AND I WILL GIVE YOU THE CROWN OF LIFE!”
Now these young Hebrews were marvelously and miraculously vindicated by God (“the 4th man in the fire!” – read the rest of the story in Daniel 3)! Not all have been, however – many have suffered and given their lives!
Just know this… I DESIRE TO EXHIBIT THE CHARACTER, COURAGE, AND COMMITMENT OF THESE YOUNG PEOPLE TODAY, IN MY WORLD, REGARDLESS THE PRESSURE (OR THREATS)! How about you?
Coffee With The Lord 