Pr. 19:16: “He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul, but he who is careless of his ways will die.”
Usually, we are the laid-back kind of parents who not only allow their kids to play in rain puddles, but enjoy watching them do so. We let our kids climb on rocks and walk across things as though those things are balance beams. We don’t mind when our kids jump off of things, etc.
When we got to Niagara Falls earlier this month; however, all that changed. As parents, we noticed the strong presence of slippery surfaces all around that park. Since it was our goal to have an injury-free vacation, our easygoing attitudes turned a bit more tense.
Our kids weren’t being overly careless when they tried to climb and walk on the rocks at Niagara. They weren’t trying to get hurt when they wanted to run on the water-soaked steps at the bottom of falls. They’re just kids and they can’t yet see around all the corners.
It’s our job, as their guardians, to set them up for success. A desire to not see them injured meant that we had to be a bit more strict with our rules.
This verse reminds me of how God protects us. He has given us commandments to keep us safe and set us up for success. He wants not just abundant life for us, but also eternal life. Even when we’re not intentionally being careless, His loving protection is already in place to keep us safe.
His commandments will also help us in those moments when we feel like being intentionally careless. He doesn’t tell us not to steal just to keep us bound. There are consequences to stealing, and following His commandments will keep us from those consequences.
Isn’t He good? Just as we didn’t want our kids to be injured, break bones, or die on the slippery rocks of our vacation world, God doesn’t want us to be injured, become broken, or die here in this world. He is a loving Provider, caring for His own.
Thank you, Lord, for preparing my way, directing my steps, and giving me wise guidance along the way. As much as I’ve already been hurt, I can’t imagine how much worse it would have been without You. I am glad You are a Father who cares.
Thankful for His commandments,
jamie
considering the word 