As I read over Proverbs 24 today, the verses to stand out for me were verses 16-18: "For though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again but the wicked are brought down by calamity. Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice, or the LORD will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from him."
This goes back to motives...As I shared in another entry, this has been a recurring theme for me--one that has convicted me. As I read in a great blog about proverbs today, initial thoughts in reading this chapter are of relief. You see your faults and know that God will carry you; however, I immediately tripped/stumbled over the words that would follow about our "enemies". I know there are times when I hope I'll prevail to prove or make a point to others. The reminder and truth is that should not be of my concern. In fact, if I get real with myself, I should go back up to one of the earlier verses in the chapter that also stood out while reading:
"By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures" (vs. 3, 4).
I am working to establish my home--literally and figuratively. I realize that in the settings where I dwell, I possess the power to affect the atmosphere, which can be one filled in those virtuous things spoken of in the Bible and valued by God, or the very same things He brings up in contrast to these positive characteristics.
On Sunday, our pastor challenged us to be the best we could be, doing more to overcome the Enemy known as Average. John L. Mason is the author of a book, which preaches and teaches to this type of stinking thinking. We must strive to be excellent and with the right, proper motives--not to prove anyone wrong or show off, receive fame, etc. etc.
When we work to give our best, it just makes life better for all involved. I'm stiving to do and be more...in every area of my life. This summer has been a season of being stretched. I feel myself expanding.
