Many parallels exist in our world and lives, which we may not even notice. Children's stories and rhymes often teach a moral or life lesson. Each major strata of our physical world—the ocean, earth, and atmosphere—has its own ecosystem, yet they are interdependent.
People are not merely mechanical bodies, but each human has a soul—an inner life. Each human soul has instinctual drives that are, hopefully, tempered by an over-riding conscience.
Although some disagree, people are created with an inner, spiritual compass. When this internal compass is nurtured, it guides and protects a person's whole life.
Scripture
My son, obey the command of your father, and do not disregard the teachings of your mother. [vs 20]
Fasten them on your heart forever. Hang them around your neck. When you walk around, they will lead you. When you lie down, they will watch over you. [vss 21-22]
When you wake up, they will talk to you because the command is a lamp, the teachings are a light, and the warnings from discipline are the path of life to keep you from an evil woman and from the smooth talk of a loose woman. [vss 23-24]
(Proverbs 6:20-24 GW) [Context– Proverbs Chap 6:20-35]
Key phrase
Fasten them on your heart forever
Digging Deeper...
- Where is the son's instruction for life to be gained? Is there a difference between obedience and the exhortation to "not disregard" this instruction?
- How is this instruction to be attached and integrated into a person's life? What does this picture tell us? What are the three ways this instruction will guide us?
- Why is this guidance able to "keep" or preserve us? What are the three ways they to us?
- What are we "kept" from? Is it merely the seduction of sexual immorality, or can this be an illustration of any kind of temptation?
Make it personal...
What is the foundation of your life? From whom or where do you draw guidance for your everyday life?
Do you have an internal compass that guides you? What governs the self-talk that goes on in your mind?
What source of truth guides your decisions in life? What enables you to move forward to navigate life's challenges, including successes and failures?
Reflection...
A navigational compass is based on a "true north"—a magnetic reference point. The calculation of distance or measurement of any kind needs a point of reference, or some reliable starting point. The difference between a teaspoon or a tablespoon of salt in a recipe makes a big difference in taste! The principle of a reliable reference point applies to daily life.
We need a reliable internal compass to keep us from living life as if we were a piece of driftwood afloat in the ocean. What's your internal compass based upon?
Mine is based on my personal relationship with God, the truth of His written Word, and the guidance of His Spirit within me.