Listen

The Lord’s Instruction is perfect, reviving one’s very being. The Lord’s laws are faithful, making naive people wise. The Lord’s regulations are right, gladdening the heart. The Lord’s commands are pure, giving light to the eyes. Honoring the Lord is correct, lasting forever. The Lord’s judgments are true. All of these are righteous! They are more desirable than gold—than tons of pure gold! They are sweeter than honey— even dripping off the honeycomb!

Psalm 19:7-10

Think

We’ve all been to school where we had to take instructions from the teacher. Sometimes receiving instruction is easier than other times simply because we like the teacher. When our relationship with the instructor is skewed, often our commitment to the task slips and complaining begins.

Our scripture passage begins with “the Lord’s instruction is perfect….” and goes on to use words like right, faithful, commands, correct, pure, etc. Very few things in this world are perfect. We often strive for perfection in our work, our appearance, our homes, etc. But do we ever think about working on our spiritual life as something we need to make perfect?

We’ve been told our whole lives that God doesn’t expect our perfection but desires our love, faithfulness, and commitment. It’s true! The great thing about being committed to God is that we can trust God’s instructions and God’s ways to be perfect. In Jesus we see the perfect example of living God’s ways and instructions. We’re called to follow these ways too.

Ellen Sechrest

Question to Ponder:

Has God given you instructions or a calling that you have chosen to avoid?

Pray

Lord of all,

may we listen and trust in your instructions and act on them

because we know you desire the best for us.

Amen.

Go

May we keep the cross before us and not just during Lent. Let the cross guide our words, our deeds, and our heart’s desires.