Sunday 25 Jun 2017

June 25: Proverbs 24:3-6

Key Verse: Proverbs 24:3
By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established;

Devotion:
You don't have to look at too many man made things to realise some people have gone through a whole lot of training and experience before they can put together things such as computers, cars or even a home. We can't just take on a role of builder unless we understand the reasons behind some of the decisions you will have to make. Learning how to build a wall with bricks may not take too long to learn, but getting to master it takes a whole lot more experience. Getting to know just how much of each ingredient to mix together to make the mortar because of the place the wall is or the weather it will have to face up to takes knowledge and experience. Getting to know how to put it all together takes time to learn. Being able to put it together in the right way takes experience.

Being able to live as a Christian starts with knowledge. That knowledge then has to be applied in order to gain from it. That knowledge needs to be exercised in order to maintain a high level of proficiency. But, just like building a home, the more people who are doing the job, the more experience you have on the job and the more likely you will get things right – so long as you are willing to listen to those who have experience!

Learning does not just come from us trying everything out. If it did, we would never move forward because we would all have to experience the same mistakes in order to gain the same experience. If we are willing to listen and learn from those who have made the mistakes, or those who have learned from others, then we will be able to learn a whole lot more and quicker too. We are wise to listen to experienced people so we can know what they know. Learning to avoid the mistakes and the traps is the most important thing so we can avoid them in the first place. Learning how to avoid being tempted and asking for help when we are tempted is central to being a Christian. God is willing to help and teach as long as we are willing to listen and learn!

Points to Ponder:
Do you listen to your parents?

How often do you learn from God's Word?