The "If-Then Concept" for Life

The "If-Then Concept" for Life

We've talked about Wisdom Way and Foolishness Boulevard in our thinking about Proverbs 2:1-20 and the "If-Then Concept." I'd like you to think with me today about those two streets as metaphors for our lives.

Some who read these Freedom Fighters know they've spent far too long on Foolishness Boulevard at great personal price. It's not an easy road, even though the devil would make us think it is. We've learned the consequences of traveling on a road devoted to all the things that do us damage rather than good. Foolishness Boulevard is a metaphor for lives lived filled with wrong choices and the determination to do things "our way."

Then there is Wisdom Way. It, too, is not an easy road. It's narrow, sometimes steep and not without unexpected curves and bumps. It offers entirely different consequences-or should I say blessings? God promises those who choose Wisdom Way that it is a protected way that will keep us from being seduced by the deceitful attractions of the world.

It's all about the "If-Then Concept." It's all about choices. It's all
about thinking before we make the choices. Proverbs 9 picks up on the
theme of wisdom and foolishness. Read verses 1-18. Compare vss. 4-6 with vss. 16-18. Solomon shows us the metaphor clearly. IF you choose the Wisdom Way, THEN you're promised life. IF you choose Foolishness Boulevard, THEN you're promised death.

I urge you to think about the "If-Then Concept" as you make choices in your life. I urge you to think about the "If-Then Concept" when temptation comes knocking at your door. I urge you to think about the "If-Then Concept" when you make big and little decisions. Even if we walk on Wisdom way today, the detours that put us on Foolishness Boulevard can come quickly. You can wander from the way easily if you live carelessly and without thinking about the consequences of your choices and decisions.

Choose hunger for God, His Word and His way. Make Him and His teaching the priority of your life. The more you choose Wisdom Way the safer and more secure you are.

I pray God will enable us to choose Wisdom Way. IF we do, THEN we'll know freedom and safety. IF we don't choose that way, THEN we'll know bondage and danger. May God help us choose the right way! - Pastor John Strain is the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Toms River and our weekend Freedom Fighter contributor

Today's Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 7-9; Mark 11:19-33

Great Quote: The Christian who is not committed to a group of other believers for praying, sharing, and serving, so that he is known, as he knows others, is not an obedient Christian. He is not in the will of God. However vocal he may be in his theology, he is not obeying the Lord. Ray Ortland