My mom and dad were married multiple times before having me and my two younger sisters.  They would go on to separate from each other, and both went their separate ways when I was in 4th grade.  I can think of various memories that included making adulterous and lustful decisions along the way.  This is what we knew as kids.  As I grew older, I would make the same mistakes with young relationships.  I’m sure there are multiple labels you could give to these poor choices growing up.  I vowed not to be like this but still struggled.

This sinful behavior changed when I started an honest and genuine walk with the Lord. I had already felt the consequences of my decisions and knew that God has bigger plans for us when we choose to follow.

Today’s passages are Proverbs 6-7,  Psalm 6, and Romans 11

As I read through the verses of the day, I thought about how Proverbs can provide a written description of purity, take a young, misguided boy, and help him keep them as a treasure to lean on when struggling.

Proverbs 6

16 There are six things the Lord hates,
seven that are detestable to him:
17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue,
hands that shed innocent blood,
18 a heart that devises wicked schemes,
feet that are quick to rush into evil,
19 a false witness who pours out lies
and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.

My son, keep your father’s command
and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.
21 Bind them always on your heart;
fasten them around your neck.
22 When you walk, they will guide you;
when you sleep, they will watch over you;
when you awake, they will speak to you.
23 For this command is a lamp,
this teaching is a light,
and correction and instruction
are the way to life,

The prescription for our life of sin is to know and obey the words of God. Take His words and cherish them as if He were speaking personally to each one of us face to face. We need to keep His word closer than any of our pride possessions. Even though our sins are forgiven only through Him, we can feel the impact of scare tissue from the sin.  Making sinful choices ignores tomorrow’s consequences by emphasizing today’s delights.  I pray for us all and remember His closeness when we are tempted by sin today.

Have a blessed and obedient day!