Joel M Bradshaw

23For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life…–Proverbs 6

I have journeyed in the Mark Twain caves in Hannibal, MO. I could not even imagine how dark and scary they would be without light tracks running the walls. They were a great unknown that needed a light to shine within.

But I have traveled also in areas that I knew, but still needed light. One of the blessings of the cellphone is the flashlight feature. I have used it countless times to see in a dark room or to put keys in a keyhole on a dark night. And sometimes I am in a room I know well, but have to still stumble along and stub toes until I reach the lightswitch.

Light matters. And as long as there is power, light always defeats the dark. The darkness doesn’t immediately swallow it up. It may be a little light in a big darkness, but everywhere the light shines, you receive it’s blessing.

Think of your life that way when it comes to God’s Word. The wise life sees his commands as a lamp and a light. Where am I at? What direction should I go? Which path is the right one? God uses the Bible to guide us and to give us his expectations. Essential relationship boundaries. And God also brings people into your life that use the Bible as they help you along. Leaders or influencers you trust. They are especially helpful to listen and give a different perspective.

Even though those caves had lighted areas, we still needed a leader to guide us to the end. To tell us what direction to go and especially where NOT to go.

Part of being a Christian is also being reproved or corrected. Being disciplined as a disciple. Nobody would shine a light and then turn and head knowingly in the darkness. That’s the point. In the same manner, pay attention to the leaders God has placed in your life who help guide you. You grow by litenening to their wise words, even if those words sometimes hurt. The best growth in me was when a leader used difficult counsel to tell me something I needed to hear. I didn’t want to hear it, but it ususally changed the course of my life. I can think of one or two of those moments right away and more if I really thought about it. They stick with you.

Good proverb today.—JMB