AUG. 26, 2013
What’s
At Stake?
Read: Proverbs 19:15-25
Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that
you may be wise in your latter days.
—Proverbs 19:20
To
stake or not to stake? That’s the question Marilyn faced when she planted a
tree
sapling last summer. The salesman said, “Stake it for one year so it will
be supported
in strong winds. Then remove them so it can grow deep roots on its
own.” But a
neighbor told her, “Staking may cause more harm than good. The tree
needs to start
building strong roots right away, or it may never. Not staking
is best for long-term
health.”
We
wonder about that question in relationships too. For instance, if someone has
gotten
himself into trouble, do we “stake him down” by rescuing him, or do we
let the person
“grow strong roots” on his own by allowing him to face the
consequences of his choices? Obviously it depends on what seems best for the
person’s long-term spiritual health. What
does love do, and when does it do it?
Proverbs 19 gives opposite thoughts: We are to have
“pity” and lend our
assistance (v.17), yet there are dangers in rescuing another because
you might
need to do it again (v.19). Providing the right help requires wisdom beyond
our
own.
God
hasn’t left us on our own. He will give us the wisdom when we ask Him. And as
we
lean on Him, our own roots will grow deep in Him as well.
We lack wisdom, Lord, in many situations.
We know we’ll make mistakes, but teach us to
be dependent on You. Thank You that You will
be faithful. Grow our roots deep in You.
Real wisdom is looking at the world from God’s point of view.
Source: Our Daily Bread 2013
