Choosing How to Live

Scripture:
Four things on earth are small,
yet they are extremely wise:
...
A lizard can be caught in your hands,
yet it lives in kings’ palaces.
Proverbs 30:24,28

Observation: The writer of this proverb makes an interesting observation about four very simple creatures, and effectively that though they are small and weak, they make wise choices about how to live their lives. One of these is the lizard, an animal of so little strength and wisdom that any person can catch one without any special tools or weapons. However, they are often found in nice places, living in locations that would make humans jealous.

Application: I have seen geckos in Hawaii all the time, often hanging out by the pool at the resort ... a place we humans daydream of being.

This proverb makes me think about how I live, and especially what I do to live here. I live in relative safety and comfort, in a place that is completely provided by the Lord himself. Sure, I have a job, but what I do is meaningless in the scale of God's universe, and yet from it I receive resources for earthly living. This is the Lord's blessing.

I wish to live within the Lord's blessing like a lizard. I don't want to be dangerous, I don't care if I'm strong, and I don't want earthly wisdom. I do want to see that where I am is effectively the king's palace ... it is the Lord's kingdom and creation and provision. I want to live knowing he is my protection and shelter, and that the place where I am has a beauty and wonder that others may even desire for their own lives. In other words, I would like to choose a way of life that makes others consider me wise, while I know that I have no wisdom except for that which the Lord grants and guides me toward.

Prayer: Lord, you know very well I don't always live wisely. In fact, I do foolish things. Please forgive my terrible sins, and please forgive me when I turn away from your directions and instructions and commands and precepts. Again today I ask for you to lead me by the hand. May your Holy Spirit be near me and in me, so I may live in a manner more pleasing to you, while I meekly walk about within your great palace. Amen.