Wisdom
Scripture Reading — Colossians 4:2-6, 10-18
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Colossians 4:5
In Fyodor Dostoyevsky's novel The Brothers Kara?mazov, a priest warns, "Every day and every hour, every minute, walk around yourself and watch yourself, and see that your image is a seemly one. You pass by a little child, you pass by spiteful, with ugly words, with angry heart; you may not have noticed the child, but he has seen you, and your image, unseemly and ignoble, may remain in his defenseless heart. You don't know it, but you may have sown an evil seed in him and it may grow, and all because you were not careful before the child." We need to be careful--that is, wise in the way we act toward outsiders.
Some cars are equipped with a global positioning system (GPS). With the help of 24 satellites that circle the globe, you can locate yourself anywhere on the earth, and when you punch in your destination, your GPS will give you directions.
A "spiritual positioning system" (SPS) would be even more worthwhile. Such a system would tell you at all times who you are, and it would give you directions to your desired end. It would operate on four satellites: Scrip?ture, prayer, the sound counsel of others, and the facts of your circumstances.
To live wisely, we must consult our SPS not just occasionally but "every day and every hour, every minute."
Lord Jesus, you are full of grace and truth. By your Spirit, may your grace and truth guide us today. Help us to live wisely, depending on you always. In your name, Amen.
About the author — Jack Roeda
Rev. Jack Roeda is the senior pastor at Church of the Servant Christian Reformed Church, Grand Rapids, Michigan, and an adjunct professor of preaching at Calvin Theological Seminary. He is married to Carol Sue Kok, and they have three children and two grandchildren. Pastor Roeda has served two previous churches: Exeter (Ont.) Christian Reformed Church and Calvary Christian Reformed Church, Holland, Michigan.
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