Pro 14:25 A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.
I don't want to give any verse of Scripture what my grandma would call "short shrift" but the second verse in our duet today is calling my name, and I want to get to it. Verse 24 seems to be telling us once more that if we are wise, we will have riches --- and that can be wealth, or material riches, or it can be the riches of respect, love of friends and family, the close relationship with God that we aspire to achieve, and more. We are wise to yearn for those riches rather than the riches of this world.
Verse 25 is the one that seemed to jump off the page at me today. My first impression was that it spoke of a witness in a courtroom, or some other situation where truthfulness is so badly needed. I was thinking along the lines of our need to be faithful and true, and to avoid lying to others and to ourselves.
I have to say, I am so appreciative of good commentaries in my study. When I read Matthew Henry's notes on this verse, it really cranked my tractor! Look at this excerpt:
A man of integrity will venture the displeasure of the greatest, to bring truth to light and rescue those who are injured by falsehood. A faithful minister, who truly witnesses for God against sin, is thereby instrumental to deliver souls from eternal death.That's when the light bulb flashed --- we are all ministers. In whatever walk of life God has placed us, we should be faithful witnesses. For if we are, we can help to deliver souls from eternal death.
WOW! Are you as stoked as I am? (Well, probably not, but I hope you will be!) It never hurts to be reminded that we "shall be witnesses...to the ends of the earth." Am I brave enough to risk someone's displeasure by gently saying a word for Christ? Am I faithful to let my light shine? Am I living my life in such a way that someone might ask what makes my outlook different? And if they ask, am I ashamed, or am I excited, to be able to witness?
I do so want to be a delivery person for God --- I hope I can be a faithful witness and bring others to Him!
Your questions are very thought provoking today Jacque. Hmmm.
ReplyDeleteWhenever I speak in a negative way these days, I feel a real unhappy feeling in my soul. God's way of telling me I messed up! Sure makes me try to do better.
I don't meet folks publicly much, as being a stay-at-home Nanna and wife is a bit confining. But when I interact with strangers when shopping, I always try to be kind and friendly. Even when I've had to stand in line ten minutes while someone has a million coupons, or needs a price check. And when a rude person blocks my way and doesn't care.
I try to be polite and friendly on the phone with doctor's offices and such as well. Having been the main "phone person" at my last job, I understand the need for polite requests.
I want to live in a way that would draw others to me and ask how I can be so pleasant. Not being in the public much hinders that, but I do try when possible. There's lots of room for improvement though! Lots and lots of room!
I keep thinking about a comment that was left on your blog a couple of days ago - where we look down to others because they don't lead the correct path to Christ. Just by the work "we are all ministers" ... we do has to be for them not for us for the act and pure heart is the ministers he expects and wants from us!!
ReplyDeleteEvielynne
Belinda, you are so right -- even those small things you mentioned are wonderful witnesses to the grace we have received. You are indeed being a light wherever you go. And never, ever forget what a precious opportunity you have, with that sweet buglet that I see pictured on your blog. Young as he is, he will surely remember how grandma acted, and what she said...you are a model for him to follow, just as much as his mommy and daddy! :) I've always said that God regards moms and grandmoms as VIPs, because He gives us so much responsibility, and He promises to help us! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind words Jacque, but I have a very very long way to go, to measure up!
ReplyDeleteThis has been a great week for the Bible study! Have a good weekend!
My WORST downfall when it comes to witnessing is:
ReplyDelete"Am I brave enough to risk someone's displeasure by gently saying a word for Christ?"
I just chicken out! I am good with my own little family. And I am good behind this computer. But in person, oh my, my knees start knockin.
A very dear friend passed last year of the flu, and I feel so guilty for never taking the time to open my Bible and showing her the Way. She's knows I was an avid Believer, she knows I was 'different', but it never went past that. If only I would have been more brave...