Make-Up Monday - Proverbs 27:12

"The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple goes on and suffers for it."

We should strive to be prudent people. Much sorrow can be avoided by examining our situations through the

lens of God's word. If any situation requires, or tempts you to compromise on God's standards, you need to

get out.

  In scripture, it is clear that we are to guard our heart, to keep it and our ways pure and pleasing to God.

We have a responsibility before Him to stay away from things that are displeasing to Him and, by definition,

dangerous to us.

  As parents, and to a higher degree, as fathers, this responsibility extends to our families. By God's decree,

fathers are the leaders of the family, and He holds them accountable for how they lead their families.

Do they lead with wisdom and humility, teaching them the word of God? Do they discern danger and heed

warnings, so as to protect their families?

  This responsibility also extends to our brothers and sisters in Christ, our fellow believers. We are commanded

to build one another up in love, and one of the ways we do this is to, if necessary, refrain from doing certain

things or going certain places that would be a stumbling block for them. Another way is to look out for sinful

and destructive behaviors that they may fall into, and go to them, in love, showing them their error with scripture.

  Following this line of thought, I am reminded of the responsibility we Christians have to proclaim the gospel,

to shine the light of the truth, so that those whom God will save may hear and believe, and that all the rest may
be without excuse.

  This is our responsibility, our calling; to be a prudent and holy people in a foolish and fallen world.