But Why?

Two verses today, kind of related, and they wrap around several teachings that find themselves in between them. Bible scholars call that an ‘inclusio’. Me? I call that God telling me “pay attention, because the same themes keep coming up to get your attention!”

Proverbs 19:16, 23.

“He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul, But he who is careless of conduct will die…
The fear of the LORD leads to life, So that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil.”

We as parents can get frustrated when children want to know why. At times it seems they are not listening to what is being told them, and that all they do is ask “Why?”. Along the way, we teach them to obey in simple matters, so that later on in life bigger matters will seem important to obey as well. At some point, we hope that they take on that obedience because of a healthy aspect of their own relationship with the Lord, that is, they do what is right in order to please Him, resting in the knowledge that their outward actions are a reflection of their inward attitudes.

I see God teaching us the same way. “Life” is important to him. So many times life and death are compared and contrasted to demonstrate the positive and negative. I realize there are very Godly people who die young, just as there are wicked people who live long lives here. God has the bigger, longer-lasting picture of peace with Him in mind as He teaches us. So, using these two verses to cover what falls in between, gives us an excellent framework of examples of living for Him.

Be gracious to the poor, God will repay you.
Discipline your son (children).
Keep your temper under control.
Listen to instruction. Accept discipline.
Be kind.
Have and maintain integrity (better to be poor than a liar).

(Insert 3-year-old child’s voice here) WHY? WHY?

All of these reflect a healthy fear of the Lord, that reverence and respect that is due Him, and only Him. WHY?  He loved us first, remember?

Because then we can sleep satisfied, untouched by evil. In simple terms, we can be at peace with God, if we live according to His terms, with the proper respect for Him. How we live this life reflects just what we think of Him. The choices we make each and every day speak loud and clear to those around us. Do they know that we know the Savior, personally?

This world can’t come close to God’s peace. Here’s praying that we will strive for the peace only He holds. “Take the world but give me Jesus” - Fanny Crosby had her priorities in order, responding to a neighbor complaining about being poor.