Proverbs 16:17
If
I have a problem with alcohol, I should avoid bars. A problem with internet
porn, unprotected computers. A problem with impulse shopping, shopping alone
without a list. Controlling my calorie intake, a $6.95 all-you-can-eat buffet.
We all have some things that are hard for us to resist. We are all sinful. We
live in a broken world, a world where the values contradict the values of the
Gospel.
The
path we choose to walk makes a big difference, not only in the destination, but
the journey. There are multiple ways to get to San Jose. Some would require
only a few turns, a few changes of road, difficult to get off track. Some would
be very complicated and involve many chances to get lost. We often get a choice
of path to a destination. Which one we choose and why says a lot about us and
our character.
Our
proverb states something directly about the paths that people seeking to live
in line with the character of God walk. They purposely avoid evil. They don’t
even go near it. They guard themselves against these influences. And in the
process they preserve their life. They protect themselves from the things that
would pull them down.
I
don’t know what things pull you down. For every one of us the combination of
temptations is different, but we all have them. None of us is exempt. So we
each have to be aware of our weaknesses and walk accordingly. I personally have
to avoid donut shops. Really! I love donuts. If I let myself, I would have a
couple every day, and I would soon look like a donut! But I can’t afford them
because of their cost, both monetary and calorie costs.
What
circumstances do you need to avoid? What one should you have been avoiding, but
you haven’t been? Now would be a good time to start to plan your life
differently. You may have to recite this proverb when you pass by your donut
shop temptation, but you can overcome and preserve your life.