Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.

Psalm 119:105

When you purchase a piece of furniture in a box that’s clearly marked “some assembly required,” what do you feel? Dread? Excitement? Anticipated frustration? This line of questioning begs another: Do you carefully follow the directions or throw caution to the wind and try to figure it all out on your own?

Thankfully, many things in life come with instructions. And to proceed for the ideal outcome, we go step-by-step according to the manufacturer or creator. After all, we can trust that the maker knows that product, how it’s to be assembled for lasting strength, and how to care for it for the long haul.

If you’ve been a Christian for a while, you may have heard the Bible be referred to as life’s instruction manual. That is true—and that is where I’m going with this…but I want to dig in and give you some rationale as to why this is one set of directions you don’t want to toss aside and think, “Oh, I’ve got this on my own.” 

Psalm 19 is a great why behind the Providential mandate to follow the instructions. From verse 7 through 11, the “instructions” are referred to in different ways (laws, commands, etc.), but each is simply a nuanced way of referring to God’s Word. After all, God is our trustworthy Creator, and following the Bible will, in fact, take care of us for the long haul. Let’s break it down.

The Word is…

• soul-refreshing, trustworthy, wisdom-giving (v7)
• joy-bringing, clear, insight-providing (v8) 
• pure, everlasting, true, fair (v9)
• more valuable than gold and sweeter than honey (v10)

And if these don’t provide you with reason enough to follow the Divine Instructions, maybe these last two will seal the deal:

God’s commands—His instructions—serve as warnings for living. Our Maker really doesn’t want to mess things up. He wants us to have lasting strength. And the best? When we obey them, we are promised a great reward (v11).

Lord, thank You for Your instruction manual for my life—a life You created. Help me use it daily as a light unto my path.

For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

Galatians 5:13

I need to share a secondhand experience. Not to gossip, but to serve as an example—a burst of revelation akin to seeing the brightest explosion of fireworks that in mere moments burns out to blackness. Therefore, the names (and entire setting) have been changed to protect the guilty.

There are so many levels of horror in this scenario. But each aspect of the wrong provides a reflective surface, allowing me—and us as professing Christians—to assess our own behaviors as we walk through the world. I’ll address this situation using a series of negative questions.

1. Do we use our actions and/or words to intentionally shame and embarrass others? This could be pointed at the person we’re directly interacting with…or, because of the way we’re interacting with some third person (shouting at or shaming them), we embarrass the one(s) we’re with. How is this representing Jesus?

• Are we unaware of those around us who might be (well, they are) looking at us to personify a “Christian”? Do we act like the world (or worse) and then expect those witnesses to want anything to do with Christ? 

• Worse, do we act like the world (or worse) in front of young Christians who may be looking to us to exemplify what it means to be a mature Christian? Do we care that those harsh words or actions could cause someone on the fence to jump off on the side without Jesus and walk away?

• Do we forget that we are called to be leaders and shepherds (whether it’s to our children, friends, or a massive organization), and that our behavior imprints on those we lead—especially the negative behavior? I like using the analogy of baking a delicious cake and using just a teaspoon of dog poop—I know, gross. Clearly, that small additive ruins the whole cake. And no matter how beautiful it looks, how many layers of enticing icing are added, those witnesses know it’s full of, well, you know.

Convicted? Yeah, me too.

If we profess to love the Lord and His Word, let’s focus daily on reflecting that in our actions. Will we slip up? Of course! Will we shout in anger or say the wrong thing? Absolutely! But how we live—at work, at home, at play—must always be filtered through the glorious righteousness bestowed on us through the precious blood of Jesus. 

Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean.”

John 13:10a

Those of you who read my post, “choosing the hard way,” you’re probably wondering how my kitchen cabinets turned out (being that I took the lazy-girl route of no sanding and leaving on the doors). Simply put, awesome. The antique white paint completely transformed the outdated, dark wood cabinets. My kitchen is so much brighter and even feels more spacious. I love it. 

I’m not going to lie, though, and say the task was easy. Despite my shortcut, it took two full days of painting and left my hand so fatigued I was unable to grip my toothpaste. And after letting the paint dry and putting hardware back on, I was able to see all the misses: the unpainted hinge-side of some of the doors, one door I forgot to hit with the second coat, and the quarter-round that only got primed. My cabinets have been made white and clean and beautiful…but they’re certainly not perfect.

Sounds a lot like us Christians, doesn’t it?

When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we are washed clean and made white as snow (Isaiah 1:18; Psalm 51:7). Our sins are forgiven—past, present, and future. It’s awesome. But our salvation does not make us perfect. As long as we are on the earth (in its current iteration), we miss the mark—we sin—every day. So, that’s why regular touch-ups are needed.

This is what Jesus was teaching His disciples (and us) when He said our whole body is clean, but we need to wash our feet (John 13:10). We get dirty walking through this world. It’s inevitable. Things come out of our mouth we wish we didn’t say. We lose our patience and act unkindly. We watch a popular Netflix show that is far from righteous. We use social media to…well, you get the picture. 

Brothers and sisters, we are made righteous by the Blood of the Lamb. Out of gratefulness we pursue holy living. And when we mess up (because we will), we are not “hypocrites” (as some may call us). We are sinful humans saved by grace. So, each and every day, we need to make an assessment, recognize those failings and misses, ask the Lord for forgiveness, and pray for the wisdom to make different choices the next time. 

We are beautiful and bright, but—like my painted cabinets—we just need some touching up. 

Lord, I am so grateful for my cleansing salvation…and for Your precious grace that daily renews my mind and heart.

But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities. The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.

Isaiah 53:5

Do you get this? Really? If you’re a new Christian, the astounding fact of Jesus’ sacrifice may be fresh in your mind and heart. But, maybe, if you’re older in the faith, you’ve let this Truth settle in under layers of (worthwhile) Bible study, years of Christian serving, and a certain “comfort” in your salvation. 

This was me several years ago. My walk of 16 years had been filled with the fires of refinement, and the Lord was constantly teaching me through trial after trial. But it wasn’t until my son was brutally attacked that Isaiah’s prophetic words became palpable. 

One day in math class, my son was talking and laughing with his friend about some shared experience in another class. A girl seated across the room, who felt like she was being mocked, somehow perceived my son’s laughter to be directed at her—which it was not. She stood up, walked to his desk, picked up his half-full CamelBak water bottle…and proceeded to strike him in the head several times. As his blood streamed down his face onto his crisp ROTC uniform, she ran out.

When I got to the school minutes later, my only concern was for my son’s condition. My emotions were all over the place—shock, fear, anger. But once we got him home from the hospital (after multiple staples placed in his head), my husband and I met with the school’s police officer and learned the girl had just transferred to this high school from another city, where she’d been relentlessly bullied. She was deeply hurting. The next day, we met with her mom (and the officer) and shared that we (and our son) forgave her daughter and were not pressing assault charges. We talked about the Lord and prayed with her and the officer for her daughter’s emotional healing and salvation.

Days later, while I was walking the dog and talking with the Lord about the incident, He brought Isaiah 53 to my mind. And I literally fell to my knees on the street with the revelation: My son was wounded for someone else’s transgression, beaten so another person could know salvation and be free. But my son, unlike God’s Son, was not maimed beyond recognition…and He was not hung on a tree to die. As I sat there in the street, tears streamed down my face in thanksgiving for the infinitesimal taste I’d been given of the Father’s sacrifice—how God had to silently watch His Son suffer and die for someone else. For me.

Father God, may I never get comfortable with what Jesus did on the cross. That I constantly stay in awe of His sacrifice—and Yours—for my healing.

“…and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith…”

Hebrews 12:1-2

I’ve never been a runner. Soccer was my sport growing up and, although running was required for training and playing, the thought of “running for fun” never crossed my mind. Not once. But I am in awe of those of you who enjoy propelling yourself, foot strike by foot strike, through space. I admire your strength, focus and endurance. And if racing is your thing—whether it’s fun runs or cause runs, 5Ks or marathons—you have my utmost respect. 

Despite the fact that I’m not a runner, I do recognize a couple truths about the sport. First, a runner’s eyes must stay on the prize, whether it’s a faster time, a longer distance, or a neck-hanging medal. To those respective ends, the second truth is this: Running is, for the most part, an individual sport. When all is said and done, it’s your training, your goals, your race. 

Because running competitions were a big thing back in the first century, the author of Hebrews used this sport to illuminate some God-inspired Truths for his readers—and for us today. We can look at just the first couple verses of chapter 12 to gain insight and encouragement.

“…let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith…”

First, like a successful runner, we need to let go of stuff that slows us down. Maybe there are people, habits, or activities in our lives that are an encumbrance to godly living—things that hold us back from an unfettered pursuit of Jesus. Or perhaps we’re holding on to some sinful thoughts and attitudes that trip us up along the way. Let’s drop the weight of these hinderances and feel the freedom to soar.

Next, he talks of “the race set before us” (emphasis mine). In other words, we each have a unique race, a specific lane in which to run, that was established by our Creator. You and I have distinctive gifts, personalities and purposes. We have our own, individual path to run with distinct prizes (crowns) in store. So, let’s not look at those running to the left and right of us. 

Finally, we must “fix our eyes on Jesus,” keeping our gaze upon Him as we train in the spiritual disciplines. When we focus on the Lord, it is He that draws us forward—not more money, more stuff or our own glory. After all, our race is for Him…our ultimate Prize. 

“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.” 

Matthew 7:13

The easy way. When you’re a kid (or teenager), it’s the way to go. Minimum effort, maximum results…well, maybe not maximum. Not to say the easy way is just for young people. Plenty of adults take the easy way—out and in—regarding jobs, relationships, parenting, etc. Sometimes it pays off, sometimes, not so much.

As for me, I’m not exactly a “do-it-the-hard-way” person…I’m more a do-it-the-right-way kind of gal. (Um, this speaks to my perfectionist personality tendencies, but that’s for another post.) Ironically, I can also be somewhat impatient. This sets the stage for why I’m choosing the easy way for a particularly daunting quarantine task I’m facing: painting my kitchen cabinets.

After much research, and a practice run on a couple cabinets, I have decided to take the easy way on this. I plan on (a) not sanding, but only cleaning well and (b) not removing the doors. A perfect solution for the impatience in me. Hopefully, it won’t turn out like the typical Pinterest-ideal-gone-wrong. I’ll let you know.

My point? Sometimes there are, in fact, easy ways that work out just fine. But, when it comes to your eternal destination, there is one way to go—and it’s narrow. And hard. Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). One narrow road. And why is it hard? Well, choosing to accept the forgiveness and grace of Jesus Christ is super easy: If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved (Romans 10:9). It’s the following Him that’s difficult.

The Bible is very clear how we’re to live our lives—and practically every step of the way goes against our sinful, natural inclinations and desires. We do have the assistance of the Holy Spirit to guide us and give us strength, but we inevitably fall (daily). We get back up, move forward, fall, get up, repeat. The process can be pretty bloodying and bruising. So, there’s that. And there’s the fact that living a godly life in our culture is like swimming upstream against the raging current (with all the other fish mocking you and telling you how crazy you are, as they cruise effortlessly in the opposite direction).

But the Christian way—the hard way—is worth every step. We have been redeemed by the precious blood of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. And the road He paved for us leads to eternal peace, joy and perfection. That’s the ultimate outcome I want…what about you?

Lord, thank You for making the way for me. Although it’s hard, help me to keep on the path that leads to an eternal life with You.

“…throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.”      

Ephesians 4:22-24

I’m not sure how many of you ladies can relate, but my closet is filled with clothes that are a variety of sizes (and, I’ll admit, styles). I just can’t seem to get rid of some things, no matter how long it’s been since I’ve actually worn them. I think, “What if I lose some weight—then I’ll fit into this again.” Or, “If I gain that weight back, at least I’ll have this to wear.” There’s even the self-rationalization that goes, “Well, I know I haven’t worn this in the past two years, but I might need it at some point.”

Chances are, I’m not alone in this because there are a lot of current online videos, TV programs and podcasts about simplifying and getting rid of our “stuff”. One popular author and host advises that if you don’t absolutely love something and it doesn’t bring you joy, it’s got to go. Others say that if clothing doesn’t fit your today-body, it shouldn’t be in your closet. And if it’s out of your current style, just let it go.

Interestingly, this is all wonderful spiritual advice as well—right from God’s Word. Once you become a Christ-follower, you are not the same person you were before. Your life has been washed by the blood of Jesus, and you have the Holy Spirit within you to guide and direct your path. Even though you’re in the world, you’re no longer to be of (or like) the world (John 15:19; John 17:14-16).

So, regardless of how long we’ve been walking with the Lord, we each have to assess the “spiritual wardrobe” we wear. Does our attitude bring us—and others—joy? Do we put on unconditional love to reflect Jesus? Or are we, perhaps holding onto a few choice pieces from the “good ol’ days” that still hang in the dark corner closets of our soul…things like lust, envy and deception. 

Sisters, if something doesn’t “fit” our new self, if it doesn’t make us “look” holy and honorable to others and to our Lord, if it doesn’t create joy in our life…it’s time to toss it and clothe ourselves with the righteousness of Christ.

“Lord, help me clean out my spiritual closet and put on a holy attitude every day in order to glorify You.”

When a wise man has a controversy with a foolish man, the foolish man either rages or laughs, and there is no rest.

Proverbs 29:9

Over the last couple of decades, our nation has been slipping into greater and greater divisiveness. I’m not talking about the political left and right here (although this is the case), but of a Biblical worldview versus humanism. You may have been aware of the divide as it gradually widened, or you may simply have looked up one day to see a gaping chasm. But if you’re on any social media platform today, all you have to do is scroll to see, read, and hear the venom. Especially in our current culture of crisis.

That’s why I’m not on Facebook. It was probably eight or nine years ago when I started seeing posts from some of my closest friends become hateful to Christians and Christ-honoring organizations and causes. And, due to the fact that I wanted to keep these people as friends in real life, I had to “unfriend” them, digitally, by removing myself from social media. 

Throughout the Bible, unbelievers, mockers, scoffers are called “fools”—and this is the foundation of our lesson. 

As Solomon stated very clearly in Proverbs, it doesn’t matter how you approach a foolish person—with sweetness, righteous indignation, or outright anger—you won’t get peace. Because that person’s belief is rooted in the world and not the Truth of God’s Word, he or she will either mock you for your “ignorance” or rage at you for your “malice”. After all, when we speak words based on our knowledge of Christ, to that person, it simply smells like death (2 Corinthians 2:16).

I’m not saying to forgo speaking the Truth in love—even using your social media platforms to do so. We must share the Good News of Jesus Christ! How He came to make payment for our sins with His blood. How He rose again, beating death once and for all and making a way for us to have eternal life with God. We must love others. We must forgive as we’ve been forgiven. Because, sometimes, we will find common ground, and we may even bring someone to the believing faith in Jesus.

But the Word also tells us in Romans 12:18 that we must, as much as it depends on us, keep peace with others. So, sisters, keep on speaking Truth—it’s commanded of us. Just don’t argue with fools. 

It is better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, than in a house shared with a contentious woman.

Proverbs 25:24

For some reason, King Solomon brings this “contentious woman” thing up quite a bit in his writings. (It makes one wonder if it had something to do with his 700 wives and 300 concubines. But I digress.) 

“Contentious” isn’t commonly used these days, so let me define it in one word: argumentative. So, a contentious woman is given to quarreling, griping, and complaining. In fact, this wise ol’ king (who sadly lost his godly judgement as the years progressed) also compared this woman to continual dripping on a rainy day. And he said that it’s basically impossible to restrain her (Proverbs 27:15-16).

I think about being part of Solomon’s harem of women (yuck), and I’m confident it would easy to point my finger at a few gals at whom this complaint was probably directed. Certainly, it wouldn’t have been me! Ah, but we must consider the marriages and relationships in our culture today, which are mostly of the one-to-one ratio. Could it be that, with no one else to blame, the nitpicky, naggy, complaining woman is the one who’s staring back at us in the mirror?

Ouch.

I don’t know about you, but I’m not doing a lot of mirror-gazing these days—I barely put real pants on anymore, because no one sees me from the waist down. If I have several video meetings, I may add some mascara to my face and make sure my hair isn’t sticking out weirdly. Full-on get-ready-to-face-the-day mode, however, is a thing of the past. 

But reading these Proverbs has convicted me to do some self-reflection—not of my face or body, but of my spirit. It’s so easy to use this crisis and its fallout as an excuse for crankiness and grouchiness. Times are challenging. And hard. But how am I treating the people in my home? Do I take out my fear, exhaustion, and frustration on them? Do I “drip” with discord such that they want to go hide on the roof?

My 17-year-old confirmed this “Proverbial” message the other day, when he asked, teary-eyed, that my husband and I stop griping about the virus stuff (and all the ramifications). “I know it’s bad,” he said, “but there’s nothing we can do about it. Please stop constantly complaining about it.”

Again, ouch.

Sisters, let’s take some time to consider our attitudes and our words. It’s not necessarily about being all sunshine and rainbows. But let’s definitely watch our contentiousness and make an effort to be kind and pleasant to those around us.

Lord, thank You for the people in my life who love me. Help me recognize when my attitude and words are causing strife for others—and let me drip no more.

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a difficult time. 

Proverbs 17:17

Would you consider yourself a “good friend” to others in your life? What does that mean to you, and what kind of action is required in being a friend? Of course, friendship is about fun times, laughter and adventure. And it’s about support and encouragement in those darker seasons of life. Friendship involves saying the right thing at the right time…and saying nothing at all. Those of us who have even one close friend are incredibly blessed.

Like the Proverb above says, “A friend love at all times.” In joys and sorrows. Through thick and thin. (Wait, is anyone else thinking waistline here?)  

But there’s another nugget of truth in Proverbs worth acknowledging: “Faithful are the wounds of a friend.” (Proverbs 27:6) 

Sometimes, out of love and faithfulness, a friend has to reveal a truth unseen or unveil a deception unrecognized. And. It. Hurts. When this happens—and it will within true, godly friendships—how will you respond? 

Not long ago, I warned my friend of 15 years that a teacher she follows speaks heresies and has some shady connections. I spoke these words kindly—in love—sharing my discernment within Biblical truths. But, despite my emphasis on my love for her, she viciously attacked my intentions and my character. Now, it’s important to note that we’d been through the ringer together, upholding each other through indescribable pain, heartache and trials. She knew my character very well. And my faithful friendship over a decade and a half. 

But she didn’t want to delve into a discussion about the situation or talk about our disagreements through a Biblical lens. Her anger quickly built a high, thick wall between us. And, instead of trusting the “wounding” as faithfulness and love, she chose to dissolve our relationship. 

A good friend does love at all times…we need that from each other. But also, we must be brave enough—faithful enough—to wound when necessary in honor of our Lord. You won’t be able to predict the outcome. Your friend may open their eyes to the truth or appreciate the revelation you made as a sister in Christ. Or, she may turn around and walk away for good.

But this is what godly friendship requires of us. So, let me ask again…are you a good friend?

“Lord, help me be an authentic, honest and faithful friend—even when it’s hurtful or hurts. Give me the grace to recognize that the wounds of a real friend can be trusted.”