“He who learns from instruction and correction is on the [right] path of life [and for others his example is a path toward wisdom and blessing], But he who ignores, and refuses correction goes off course [and for others his example is a path toward sin and ruin].” 

Proverbs 10:17 AMP

A small but powerful statement about a life of following God’s ways! The verse opens with the words, “He who learns.” The Hebrew word here means to “cause a state or condition to remain by watching, guarding, or limiting access to the thing being kept.” Used in a military setting it means to “obey a command with diligence and in detail.” As Christians, we are called to live our lives in an orderly and righteous way. Jesus said,

“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good. deeds and moral excellence, and [recognize and honor and] glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

Matthew 5:16 AMP

Clearly, He is speaking about more than just a profession of faith! Developing that kind of life requires yielding to the conviction of the Holy Spirit as He conforms us into the image of Christ. Look at the word “instruction.” The process of development is through “instruction and discipline.” It is a single word meaning to “accept correction leading to self-control as a feature of a wise person specifically in regard to moral quality.” Instruction and discipline have the distinct function to “inflict a penalty based on a standard with an eye on changing future behavior.” (Kittle TDNT) There is an ominous verse in the book of Isaiah about rejecting God’s way.

“So I will choose their punishments, And will bring the things they dread upon them Because I called, but no one answered; I spoke, but they did not listen or obey. But they did evil in My sight And chose that in which I did not delight.” 5Hear the word of the LORD, you who tremble [with awe-filled reverence] at His word: “Your brothers who hate you, who exclude you for My Name’s sake, Have said, ‘Let the LORD be glorified, that we may see your joy.’ But they will be put to shame.

Isaiah 66:4-5 AMP

God’s way always leads us from the path of sin and death to obedience and life! I love the description of this process. In our opening verse we read that it is like following a path. One path leads to blessing and life and the other to sin and ruin. Righteousness is not a destination but rather a life-long journey of change and renewal. However, God reminds Isaiah that there will be difficulties along the way; “Your brothers who hate you, who exclude you for My Name’s sake…” Jesus also warned us that His disciples will be persecuted for their stand in righteousness.

“When they bring you before the synagogues and the magistrates and the authorities, do not be worried about how you are to defend yourselves or what you are to say; 12for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” 

Luke 12:11-12 AMP

““Listen carefully: I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; so be wise as serpents, and innocent as doves [have no self-serving agenda]. 17Beware of men [whose nature is to act in opposition to God], for they will hand you over to the courts and flog you in their synagogues; 18and you will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. 19But when they hand you over, do not worry about how or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given you within that [very] hour; 20for it is not you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 21“Brother will betray brother to death, and the father his child; and children will rise up and rebel against their parents and cause them to be put to death. 22And you will be hated by everyone because of [your association with] My name, but it is the one who has patiently persevered and endured to the end who will be saved.

Matthew 10:16-22 AMP

A life committed to the Savior is not one that is readily accepted in these times. The days are coming and are already upon us that those who mock the way of God will actively seek to silence our voice through persecution. The good news is that WE WIN! I have had the honor to work with the persecuted church throughout the Middle East. I can tell you that those who have lost houses, families, possessions, and monies would walk the road again with strength, pride and joy holding the name of Christ high and in plain view.

Are you ready? If you were put in the situation of denying Him or facing loss and ruin, which would you chose? Remember, It is no longer I that live but Christ that lives in me!  Have a blessed day, Pastor Ken