Focal passage: Proverbs 23:17-21,29-35
Becoming a parent has opened up a whole new world of experiences that I simply did not anticipate. Perhaps among the most unexpected is the sheer volume of hilarious things that kids do over the course of a day.
Among the funniest moments are those when it becomes obvious just how limited their control is over their bodies: the zombie walk to the potty after they’ve fallen asleep; the slurred and inappropriately loud speech that no one can make sense of; the poor hand-eye coordination and lack of spatial awareness. These have all given us a good laugh when we’ve witnessed them in our very young children, but they are far less amusing when the source is an inebriated adult.
Proverbs wisely warns us of the dangers of losing control over our minds and bodies, specifically referencing both alcohol abuse and gluttony. In a culture where such excesses are not just tolerated but celebrated, Christians must be vigilant. There is a temptation for believers to believe the marketing lie that the way the world is living is somehow more desirable.
We are warned against such folly, and called to recognize the fear of the Lord as the prerequisite for a blessed future and a hope that that is not dashed. We can make idols of anything and they make vicious gods. By contrast, submitting our lives to the Creator leads us down unpopular yet vibrant paths of life.