Being Christ in the World

I've been reading a lot in the Proverbs recently and some of the proverbs have caught my breath. As I've been reading, I've been awestruck at how it seems more than ever it is difficult to know the difference between truth and lies and how wisdom must come into play in all areas of our lives.

If we are to be Christ in the world, we must show wisdom and discernment in our words and actions, in what we watch, who we listen to, and how we communicate with others.

The divisions that have split apart our families and churches this year have been painful to watch. They continue to fester like an infectious disease just below the surface waiting to explode with a violent vengeance.

What have you been listening to?

What have you been watching?

Who or what have you been setting your mind and heart on?

What is your anchor?

Who do you rely on?

Below are a few of the Proverbs that have especially stuck out to me over the last few weeks:

"The discerning person looks to wisdom, but the eyes of a fool to the ends of the earth."

Proverbs 17:24

"Even fools who keep silent are considered wise; when they close their lips, they are deemed intelligent."

Proverbs 17:28

"Sometimes there is a way that seems to be right, but in the end, it is the way to death."

Proverbs 16:25

"A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing personal opinion"

Proverbs 18:2

"Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of the fools suffers harm."

Proverbs 13:20

"Just as water reflects the face, so one human heart reflects another."

Proverbs 27:19

Do any of these Proverbs speak to you? If so, I want to encourage you to take a moment today and ask the Lord what it is he would like to speak to you about through that Proverb.

As we walk into this Advent season, may we have the wisdom to discern when to be silent and keep our lips closed in order to understand rather than express our own personal opinion. May we find the truly wise to walk with so that we can grow to be the kinds of people who others choose to walk alongside. When others come to us, may our faces reflect the beauty, wisdom, and grace only found in Jesus Christ. May we become the kinds of people who reflect Jesus, who are salt and light to this world that is in such desperate need of peacemakers, unity-bringers, hope-makers, and joy-spreaders.