Proverbs 11:5-6

⁵ The righteousness of the makes their paths straight, but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness. ⁶ The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires.

Foster Parents

In Canada, foster parenting has become a regular business. It was reported several years ago, the Child and Family Service Authority informed the foster parents that the boy in their care will be transferred and adopted by a family. The foster parents appealed the decision of Child and Family Service Authority.

An independent adjudicator ruled in favor of the foster parents saying, “It’s in the boy’s best interests to stay with the foster parents. By all accounts, he is a happy, engaged and loving little boy. The boy loves his foster parents, and they love him. That love should be given an opportunity to continue and blossom.”

            Indeed, those who practically experience righteous life will appreciate it subsequently. Let’s reflect of what it states in Psalm 1:6, ⁶For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.

The Scripture teaches that when by faith we trust Christ and his sacrificial death on the cross, the Lord sent his Holy Spirit into our heart. And the Holy Spirit guides us to behave in godly righteousness. So when Jesus Christ prevails as Lord in our life, the Lord will consider us righteous and blameless. What do you think?

1.  Righteousness of the blameless

⁵The righteousness of the blameless makes their paths straight, but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness.

            How could that be? What does it mean to have straight path? Straight path should imply easier path as compared to crooked path uphill or downhill. Imagine the terrain of Israel; it is rolling that goes up and down the hill. In the time of King Solomon, ordinary people walked up and down the hill; they exerted much effort to reach their destination. Certainly, they should have wished for straight path.

            Travelling on foot on zigzag roads can attract bad element in the society. Criminals ambush and take advantage of unsuspecting travelers. In comparison, when travelling on a straight path, one can see if danger is waiting from afar.

            Likewise, as we journey in this life on straight path, we can be cautious and warned of possible accident or disaster ahead. What do you think?

Lady Driver

            Somewhere in Asia, a lady driver was so scared of near accident she had.

A passenger bus overtook another passenger bus on a zigzag road and almost hit the car of the lady driver. She had no video to back up her claim, so what she did was, she posted in her social media account what happened. She appealed to the Bus Company to reprimand the driver who was apparently reckless.

The bus driver was instantly viewed as reckless; he may have been rushing to reach his destination or needed to go to the wash room; he might have dozed and suddenly awakened and saw that he was about to hit another bus so he quickly change lane. Or the bus could have a loose brake and the driver had lost control.

            There are many possible reasons why drivers would violate traffic rules and regulations sometimes. Of course, frequent violation of rules is another story.

Accidents in the highways are common misfortune. Accidental disaster may happen to anybody. There’s no assurance of absolute safety on which path we choose. So, our Lord Jesus Christ invites in John 8:12, ¹²I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.

            Practically, walking in the dark without light is dangerous. Without light, no matter how careful we can be, anyone may stumble at one point. But, with Christ Jesus, the light of the world, we are assured of safety on our journey to eternity.

            Right! Heaven is our eternal destination. Life on earth is part of pilgrimage and preparation for life eternally. Of course, we do not disregard our practical life but we have to prioritize how we may behave in righteousness, why? Righteous behavior is also preparation for the return of Christ when he takes us into heaven.

2.  Righteousness of the upright

⁶ The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires.

            To internalize what it means to be delivered by righteousness, we need the Holy Spirit to inspire and teach us practically. Most often, we ignore the Scripture because we just cannot fathom its value, meaning and application to our daily life.

            The term “deliver” is also interpreted as “take away or snatch away.”Righteousness takes away and snatches away from possible tragic circumstance or disastrous trap along the way, who? Upright believers who pleased the Lord!  In comparison, the unfaithful, treacherous or deceitful is trapped by evil desires.

            From which does righteousness deliver from, natural disaster or manmade? It’s by faith we trust that Scripture is practically applicable anytime anywhere.

Black Ice

            One of the causes of accidents in winter is Black Ice. When snow melts then it freezes overnight, slippery Black Ice can be formed. Sometime, it’s also foggy, and there is zero visibility. How do you appreciate highway driving in winter when there’s fog or the road is very slippery because of black ice, snow? What is the average reported accident when motorists have lost control of their vehicles?

            Winter or summer, there will always be road accidents anytime anywhere. Even people who don’t drive are involved in accidents. Where can we find a path that’s always safe to drive in Canada? How about blameless path, do you know?

            Likewise, we are not very sure of what may happen in economy, domestic situation or international affairs. Nothing is sure that we can be safe. There are many disturbing events and situations that may happen anytime anywhere. There are also unprecedented concerns in the family or society. What can we do?

Let’s reflect on what the Lord declares in Isaiah 49:13, ¹³ Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains! For the Lord comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.

            This Advent Season, we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ in human flesh, and many individuals may try to forget their personal problems for the sake of the spirit of Christmas, so they say. At least they try, even with simple celebration, just like celebrating their birthdays or anniversaries.

            Personally, what does celebration of Christmas practically mean to you? How can we have peaceful and joyful celebration when problems linger on? Apostle Paul declared in 2 Thessalonians 3:16, ¹⁶ Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.

            The Thessalonians were worried that many of them have grown old. And false prophets were preaching that Christ has returned; that the end time has come; and because of that, some of them had become idle, doing nothing.

            Problems of health, finances, relationship, studies, work, economy – what problem have you not experienced yet? We will always face problems while we live on earth but in Christ we can have peace and celebrate Christmas joyfully.

But then, our objective should be focused on our hope of the return of Jesus Christ. So, we pray for godly wisdom to follow a blameless and righteous path of lifestyle in our pilgrimage on earth as preparation for our life in heaven.

May the peace of God be with us all the times! Amen!

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