I am on the straight and narrow

Proverbs 23 is advice for people who do get into the high life. In my journey through the corporate ladder I have had many fine meals and because I enjoy food I do not have a problem consuming anything offered. But the advice is clear. Do not be taken in with the offers. Verse 3 says, "Do not desire his delicacies, For they are deceptive food". This is wonderfully and courageously direct. Yes, we must watch ourselves and our waistlines. All good advice to ensure we stay correct with the Lord. Otherwise, we may enter into unwritten obligations that cannot be fulfilled. This can affect the rest of your life. Not good when you want to maintain a good testimony for Him.

The rest of the chapter deals with the same high life environment but deviates to matters of the child and the need for physical consequences if there is disobedience. All good if done in love. Those who have attended my Character First Family seminars would have heard how Lee Yen and I practiced this at home. We were not perfect but we tried to stay the course with God's help.

Let me finish off with a sensitive topic. Proverbs 23:29-35 is very clear in its presentation about the effects of much alcohol. Don't get me wrong, I am not against having a drink, but it must be with big limits. I have heard statements like, "Wow, he can hold his drink" to "Come on, give him face and have a drink". All good for the moment but the aftermath is a different story. When faced with people that have had a little bit more than they should, I put on my "thinking cap" a little more and be very wise in what I say lest I get drawn into an argument that will go no where. Alcohol can do strange things to a person. Do you abstain? Yes, if you know you will not be able to think straight. The words in this chapter are wise and clear. The issues with alcohol are clearly not new.

Father, continue to give me wisdom in this season of my life. The treasures of the earth are tempting but your purposes for me are what I pursue. Keep me on the straight and narrow.

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