Chapter 21

Proverbs Chapter 21 (Don)

"To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice." Proverbs 21:3

We were created in God's image to bring glory and honor to him.

I grew up in a small town where everyone knew each other. Parents knew everyone’s children and if one child caused a problem, they would go to that child’s parents. I did my best to stay out of trouble, not only for fear of my Dad, but I also knew that my dad was well respected, a man with a reputation for being honest and dependable. My dad was well liked in the community and a hard worker willing to help when needs arose. So I had this planted deep within me at a very early age, “Don’t do anything that will bring embarrassment or a black mark against the family name.”

Proverbs 22:1a says a good name is rather to be chosen than great riches.

My dad had established our name by living a life of integrity. I however, was not a perfect son by a long means, but I was successful in not putting our family name to shame. I have tried to make my life before my heavenly Father the same by living with integrity and not bringing shame to Him by my actions. How many of us have seen Christian brothers do something we were sure did not please God? It also causes our Spirit to groan when we hear the unsaved say, “If that is a Christian, I’m glad I’m not one.”

My friend Arthur Burt has told of a time in his life when he was doing everything he could to live a Christian life in his own strength. He was helping a widow lady who lived next door to his family. He began to have a difficult time as she demanded more and more of his time and patience. One day he had all he could take and came to the breaking point, as he picked her up and carried her out of his house. As he slammed the door with her on the other side, he said, “That is it! I can’t live the Christian life!” Arthur said he heard God say, “Whew! It’s about time!”

Arthur was trying to do it in his own abilities and strength and that is impossible for any man but not for God. He is to live out His life through us.

"Christ in you the hope of glory." Colossians 1:27 b

"As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him." Colossians 2:9

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

Then how shall we live? If you have received Jesus as your Savior and Lord, there is a king on the throne of your heart.

In the natural, I had a sister that had some of the same features and mannerisms that our mom had, people would say,” like two peas in a pod.” I am very much like my dad in lots of ways, and it seems, as we grow older we bear more resemblances to them. So! Would it not also be the same in the Spiritual as we mature in the Lord, we began to take on our heavenly Father’s likeness?”