Deuteronomy 11:22, 26,27 MKJV  (22)  For if you will carefully keep all these commandments which I command you, to do them, to love Jehovah your God, to walk in all His ways, and to hold fast to Him,
(26)  Behold, I set before you today a blessing and a curse:  (27)  A blessing if you obey the commandments of Jehovah your God which I command you today,

Was looking through a school website the other day looking for specific information and came across a teacher handbook. It had a link where it could be downloaded, and although I didn’t care to look at it, I thought of what all it might have in it, all the detailed requirements of what could be expected of a teacher in that school system. Of all the employers for whom I’ve worked, there has always been a list of requirements, even though they didn’t all come with a handbook. Sometimes there were several things that were assumed you would do, but whenever the employer had many employees that had to be managed on a professional level, the specified written requirements were a necessity.

Of all the places I’ve worked, though, there is one thing not on the list that was somehow desired more than anything that was. There was a reason for all of those described behaviors. They desired for every employee of theirs to represent their standards of excellence by doing certain things in a certain manner, but in order for any of those things to really get done in the desired manner it would require more than just actions. What they really wanted was to be loved, to have a company man or woman, someone who would wear the shirt with pride and affection. If they could get a person’s heart, there would be no problem with performance. This was what they were ultimately looking for, but of course, this could not be spelled out on a list. Whenever it did take place in an employee, though, they could not only perform the best, but they could also expect the best from the company’s benefits.

When God was presenting His handbook to Moses, He made it clear that those items on the list were very critical. There were consequences for doing or not doing them. However, He, unlike any other lord I have known, went ahead and proclaimed what He was truly after- a company man. He desired people that acted a certain way out of love for Him. For the people, though, there was a difficulty in getting past the actions part of His requirements to the loving part. It seemed they too easily tripped over a legal requirement and never got to the loving part. Jesus came with a way for this to be achieved. Instead of placing the requirements before the relationship, He put the relationship before any expectations. Not only did He list it, but it became the list – Love. To be captured by the heart of God is to be transformed into a performer of His heart and its excellence.

Where there is an issue with a stipulation, then, where the world and human nature would trip and never get to the embrace, Jesus proposes lunch, a time of fellowship and an opportunity for His excellence to overwhelm with an identity change. It’s never a performance problem. The heart, when His will guide the way to holiness that rightly represents His nature. With this shining will also come great expectation of company benefits.

Proverbs 27:5 Better is open rebuke
than hidden love. (NIV)

It had been so very long since anything positive had been spoken. How else was this to be taken? And, it might not have been all that big of a deal if there hadn’t been a time when expressed appreciation, admiration, encouragement- love was unending and heart felt. There had been a wave of affirmation that had washed over, in and around, with each affectionate word spoken. What had made it particularly uplifting was when something was obviously objectionable, like morning breath or a bad hair day, and yet it seemed as if those things weren’t even noticed as something favorable was pointed out in its stead. There had been a bonding and commitment of heart to a relationship in which such a wonderful experience of affirmation was flowing.

What had caused its cessation, then? For what reason were those expressions that had made it easy to go beyond just acquaintance to best friend for life so apparently brought to an end? Though there was nothing derogatory spoken, the emptiness where those positive expressions had once filled the space, was as if blows of verbal devastation were being wielded. Obviously there was now something more objectionable than those things that had once been overlooked; there was something about the very identity and character, once so clearly admirable that was no longer worthy of note or communicated praise. It would have been much better if exactly whatever it was would have just been spoken and dealt with, but the void of expression gave rise to imaginations of what could be the cause. Though nothing of a negative nature may have actually existed and though the heart of that one may have not lost its affection, the termination of associated sounds of love not only caused it to be hidden, but to be dangerous in its silence.

The relationship of marriage may be the most obvious one where this reality can be seen, but there is in every relationship where more than just a greeting exists, the necessity for expressed love. Though maybe not openly spoken in an “I love you”, there is a way for that heart that is full of love to, out of its abundance, overflow with an expression of encouragement. This is something that is an integral part of the family interaction that is the church. Often there is a flurry of encouragement and expressions of interest and affection during the time of initial exposure when the relationships are starting. Though certain characteristics of person or personality may have an objectionable side, those things are covered by expressions of affirmation.

Somehow, though, there can be this transformation to the mere “hello”, where nothing more than a greeting and small talk prevail. The place and the atmosphere that Jesus prayed would bond us together can become the very place where the greatest emotional blows are endured by the mere removal of positive expression, maybe not intentionally- just out of neglect. To withhold expressions of love, affection and even praise gives rise to the questions that can be more impacting than a direct rebuke could ever be.

In our relationship with the Father, there is need for a praise to ever be on our lips. Why is this? A relationship cannot exist without love, and love unexpressed is the removal of love itself and the death of relationship, both for the giver and the recipient. His praise for us never ceases as confirmation of His heart’s position towards us, so our heart’s proximity to Him will be directly impacted by our mouth’s expression. Silence is actually a direct assault on our relationship that is worse than direct opposition might be. So easily spoken/expressed/exposed is love; so valuable is its fruit.

So it is with each other.

Psalms 36:1 The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, There is no fear of God before his eyes. 2 For he flattereth himself in his own eyes, That his iniquity will not be found out and be hated. 3 The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit: He hath ceased to be wise and to do good. (ASV)

This description of the wicked heart is done with such understanding and insight. It’s almost like he is right there viewing the condition that enables transgression and actions that are so far from reasonable. It is interesting that David, in many other passages, passionately pleads for the destruction of such corrupted individuals. He has often prayed that the wicked would be utterly destroyed and crushed before his hand.

There seems to be a much different sentiment, here, however. Like a child doing and saying a bunch of nice things to the parent over and above what is normal, it’s hard to not wonder what the real motive is. More often than not, a request for something or to go somewhere is short in coming. David, after the sobering painting of the wicked heart, instead of pleading for judgment, begins to expound upon the lovingkindess of his God. The verses that follow are a passionate description of God’s mercy and love in preserving and caring for His own creation. You would think that there is a plea here for mercy, even for that person that was described as being wicked and worthy of death.

For all David’s transgressions, he obtained a first- hand view of the errant heart and the heart that was set against wisdom and the understanding of the Lord. He had certainly found himself in the position of incredible guilt so many times and in need of mercy rather than judgment. He had been in the place that most of us are in from time to time, realizing our own wrong doing and, rather than seeking punishment, beginning to expound upon the mercy and faithfulness of God. It’s in His light that we are able to see light. vs. 9

With the view of wickedness, so much is changed about desired consequences when the view includes you. What made David so precious before his God was that, instead of attempting to deny that view and run away from it, he developed a pattern of confronting that image of himself in need of a Savior and running to mercy rather than away from it. It was in glorifying God and His love that David was able to discover the freedom and fulfillment his heart so desired. Rather than becoming overwhelmed by the guilt and succumbing to the ongoing damage it would inflict, he knew how to transform his self-image by magnifying God’s. In understanding his need for his Maker and confronting the very thing that would keep him from Him, he was able to replace his own wickedness and embrace the care, compassion and forgiveness of his Heavenly Father.

There is more than sufficient power in the presence of our Father today for ongoing transformation, where our ways are exchanged for His and our life for His life. Confronting those things that are really worthy of destruction – not just in someone else, but in us – will draw us to the goodness in Him, and the repentance He enables. To deny or run away from this image will only reinforce its power, but in describing its first-hand view and then letting that view become overwhelmed by the reality of God’s praise, there will be the much desired deliverance and freedom from that way that has no hope apart from who He is in us.

Psalms 139:23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: 24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Prov 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

“Man lifts car to rescue child trapped beneath it.”

“Young woman injured while pushing old lady from the path of a bus.”

“Soldier throws himself over live grenade to preserve the lives of many surrounding comrades.”

“House wife shows the love of God to needy family and leads them to eternal life in Christ.”

For the person who has really come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior, there is an incredible awareness that He is who and what He said He is- the way, the truth, and the life, that no one can come to the Father but by Him, and there is salvation in no other. (John 14:6, Acts 4:12) To know this salvation personally, however, is to become increasingly aware that those without Him aren’t just missing out on a good option, they are without life at all and are destined for eternal damnation.

In this understanding there is an adjustment of life’s priorities, where actions that produce salvation are moved above selfish pursuits. Being made right in Him begins to produce His fruit in a life that is transformed from selfish motives to love ones, where personal concerns are lost in the passion for saving another. This fruit is evidenced in the amazing examples given where people gain incredible selfless strength and courage to save someone else who is in peril. Lost in this love is not only the concern about personal needs, but there is also complete disregard of how saving actions might offend the one being saved. The greater the peril, the greater is the focus fixed on securing life, no matter what minor injuries might be incurred.

At the moment of emergency, though, it isn’t just an awareness of another’s danger that makes a difference, but the action taken to rescue them. It’s not just enough to become well versed in the magnitude of the impending doom, but there must be an immediate action taken in order to deliver the endangered one. Understanding alone produces no life, and attempting tolerance with sensitivity to the ‘feelings’ of the imperiled produces no life whatsoever. It is only the action of selfless love that makes use of whatever means necessary and available to save.

The world around us in on a path to certain destruction. It is evidenced in wars, the economy, addictions, moral degradation and natural disasters. Many are consumed with attempting to ‘care’ for those in the path of this peril, but, while natural and physical needs are emphasized with a focus on personal choice, there is a great deal of reticence to directly deal with the greatest peril of all. Concern for personal reputation and not wanting to ‘offend’ the imperiled cause many to compromise the only means of true salvation- the gospel of Jesus Christ. The very action that is necessary to sweep them from the path of the speeding train, lift the crushing load, and cover the explosions of life is letting them know that there is salvation in none other than Jesus. No matter what their political, religious, philosophical, or personal beliefs, they will perish if they refuse to accept the offer of life in Him. While this message can certainly be given with love and understanding, if it is compromised in the least, they will perish. To really believe this message of salvation and to really live it is to know that it can’t be kept as a private, personal persuasion. There is no personal salvation, because as soon as it becomes personal, it becomes the means by which another can also know eternal life. It must be told and its fruit will produce the wisdom of life.

James 5:19 My brethren, if any among you err from the truth, and one convert him; 20 let him know, that he who converteth a sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall cover a multitude of sins.

3 When I was going to the province of Macedonia, I encouraged you to stay in the city of Ephesus. That way you could order certain people to stop teaching false doctrine 4 and occupying themselves with myths and endless genealogies. These myths and genealogies raise a lot of questions rather than promoting God’s plan, which centers in faith.
5 My goal in giving you this order is for love to flow from a pure heart, from a clear conscience, and from a sincere faith. 6 Some people have left these qualities behind and have turned to useless discussions. 7 They want to be experts in Moses’ Teachings. However, they don’t understand what they’re talking about or the things about which they speak so confidently.
1 Tim 1:3-7 (GW)

From the time before I was born, while still in my mother’s womb, I was being affected by the sounds of my father’s guitar. Somehow, growing up on a ranch, with more of a country heritage, he became drawn to classical music, and especially the Latino sounds of romantic musical expression. Without any lessons or critique he had learned many pieces on his electric guitar by listening to phonograph albums. Although many of his techniques were not what would be considered correct, there was something he communicated to me in his playing that touched my heart with an inspiration and a motivation to produce that same passionate expression. In his playing is a sound that moves past the limitations of mental thought and methodology of theory to the reason music exists in the first place- to produce an emotional movement of the heart.

In my musical studies inspired by both the guitar playing of my father and the piano playing of my mother I moved on to the university setting where the emphasis became more on methods and theoretical correctness than actual production of something to which a heart might be drawn. For all that was brought to an ability to play expressively during that period of intense criticism, there was almost a loss of the passion that drew me to play in the first place. While my mother and father had given very little criticism, what he did give was a demonstration and an expression of what music really was in such a way that I will never be able to let go of it. I’m grateful for that exposure and it is still my pleasure to go to their mountain home surrounded by the inspiration of God’s incredible creation and hear the heart sounds of their playing. I’m always turned once again to that purpose that transcends the confines of the scholarly ones self-consumed in their knowledge of history, theory and ability to criticize, but possessing very little ability to draw a tear from a single note of their production.

I’m grateful for all that’s been provided in the Word regarding everything having to do with life and Godliness. He has left nothing out that is most necessary for the fullness of life that is ours in Christ. What has drawn me to the cross, though, hasn’t been the sounds of debate and contention that elevate the details above the overall purpose of the composition. In Christ there is a sound that will pervade even the most detailed theme that maintains the forward motion of a heart-consuming expression of His overpowering love. Any sound, any compilation of knowledge or ability to elevate based upon ‘superior’ information or methods apart from this sound of love will just be an annoying and discouraging ‘sounding brass or tinkling cymbal’.

I’m grateful for the real sounds of heart expression that have come to me from my parents, motivating me to a life’s quest to produce like sounds, and I’m grateful for the sounds of my Savior’s heart that have drawn me to a life that transcends the thoughts and contentions that would in themselves only inspire doubt and confusion. May there be in the airwaves that are moved by my expressions much more of His heart purpose than any mental contentious construction. May there be a heart moved, a tear shed and a life drawn to a quest of like production.

Matthew 13: 12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that which he hath.
Revelations 4: 4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
Galatians 5:6 … but faith which worketh by love.

Football season is well underway again, with professional, college, high school and the younger leagues drawing family, friends, and fans into the competition and the rivalry. It’s so amazing the level of talent that’s displayed week by week from athletes who have devoted so much of their time and energy to developing their skills. While there are standard fundamentals that are focused on by each team, though, and while there is emphasis given to conditioning and technique, there are certain teams and specific players that always rise above the rest to claim the championship trophy and the Super Bowl ring. There is an apparent element that goes beyond just the routines of practicing, drills and working out. It’s possible to do all the same things as the champion, but it is the heart, passion, and belief of the champion that takes him past what is just being done to its victorious purpose. While all may have had this love of the game at one time, it is the one who maintains and holds on to this love that presses past the roadblocks and difficulties that divert and prevent so many others from realizing their passion.

We have all been given the measure of faith and the necessary heart of passion, and our place on the victory stand has been secured in Christ. We’ve been made to be more than conquerors through Him. In all the things that must be done along that kingdom path that is ours to walk in Him, however, there will be a great threat to the one thing that is most necessary for victory to actually be lived and realized. Just doing what we’re told and attempting to somehow memorize this, pray that, restrain from this, and indulge in that will have no significance whatsoever if there is no love as its motivator. Without an overwhelming passion for the Giver of every good thing and without an uncompromised surrender to the One who passionately gave His life for our success, other loves will divert and disarm us of our single most important possession- the love that is ours in Christ and the passion we have for the Father. It is by Him alone that we are able to ‘live and move and have our being.’ (Acts 17:28)

…ye all are partakers with me of grace.
Phil 1:7 (ASV)

While Paul was the star, the one with the great revelation, and the leader of major think tanks of the early church, there was an understanding that went with him wherever he went, that everything he gained, everything he experienced in the way of grace was not his alone, but directly shared by those who had become a part of his heart. For him to have ‘ascended’ somewhere off by himself would have had much less of an effect both for him and all of us who were and are in such need of what he had to share. He seemed to display this incredible drive to press ever closer to his place by the Father with a purpose of taking as many others there with him.

I was fortunate in high school to play on a state championship football team. There were several elements that enabled us to make it all the way through the season to ultimately triumph in the final game, but there was one individual that really made the difference, that we could not have won without. He was a great all around athlete also dominating in wrestling and track to be chosen as the athlete of the year for the state of Colorado. Because he carried the ball, blocked and dominated on defense we were able to defy size differences and persistent odds. There was something else about him, though, that made victory possible for us as a team. He had an understanding that winning as a football player was not something that could be done on his own, that every personal victory was completely dependent on and shared with each and every other member of the team. I as his backup running back didn’t start but one of the games and definitely wasn’t even noticed beside him, but yet I could claim the same championship status as he, and in actuality, the part I did have to contribute was key to the success he enjoyed.

There is a necessity in the pursuit of the kingdom for there to be an understanding that this is a shared pursuit, that any progress made will be dependent on and shared with those other members of the body we’ve been fortunate enough to encounter. While there may be personal revelations and individual spiritual discoveries, their ultimate impact and significance in the larger kingdom game will have much to do with how they are shared rather than horded. In fact their sharing is what they were really intended for. Also, the contributions of each member or player, is just as significant as any noticed ones with the success and effectiveness of any leadership totally dependent upon the participation of each one who will put on a uniform, go to practice and show up for the game. Each one of us as we partake of the grace that is ours in Christ is doing so together with a body that we need and is in need of our part.

16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
Eph 4:16 (KJV)

Matthew 4:13-16 KJV
(13)  And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim:
(14)  That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying,
(15)  The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles;
(16)  The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.

I recently heard someone giving a passionate description of a baseball that had been signed for them by a professional player they considered to be the best ever. Not only did this baseball have the name of the player, but it also had a small note that included this person’s name. Some of the letters of their names were the same, and this was described as so special that right there on that baseball was a similarity between the two. What was particularly most impacting, though, was that, for one moment in time, this famous person had actually thought of him. He seemed to be somewhat overwhelmed by the concept that he could really have been in the thoughts of this idolized famous athlete.

While reading Matthew’s account of this, another fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus’ life, it occurred to me just how special these people from Zabulon were. Long ago the most famous person ever actually had them in His thoughts as He inspired His prophet to write a short note about them. Then, the fulfillment of this prophecy would be the presence of His flesh and blood, His very own son. More than an afterthought or just a spontaneous reaction to circumstances, it was so much in His thoughts that He had planned for and put it into motion long ago. In this note was also much more than a similarity of letters; there was a connection of hearts in a commitment that was so sure and established in its original declaration it was already in the past tense. There is an incredible sense that for these people living in obscure place in the world where very of the masses would even know they existed, the Creator of the Universe, their heavenly Father, was not only thinking about them at the time of writing, but was eternally committed to thinking on and bringing the light of His promise.

The tendency is to feel alone, not thought of, obscure, and ill-considered.  Ok, maybe this isn’t a continual obsession, but the reality of how much we are actually in the loving thoughts of our Father is never fully realized and just as these people probably weren’t even aware that there was a fulfillment of God’s note going on in the presence of Jesus, so there is rarely an awareness of how very near is the movement of God’s promise towards us. He, with His thoughts specifically on each one of us, has long ago made declarations of encounters with us that He is bringing to pass even this day. His love and His light is shining right into the otherwise obscurity of our world to dispel darkness and surround with comfort and love. More than just common letters in our names, He has given us His own name for an identity that will forever remove insignificance as it establishes us as royalty by His side. He saw and is seeing right into the world that is ours and has prepared for our rising with the presence of Jesus. What a privilege it will be throughout this day to acknowledge and honor this Light with a receptive and transformed heart of worship.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 ISV
(4)  Love is always patient, Love is always kind, Love is never envious Or vaunted up with pride. Nor is she conceited,
(5)  And never is she rude, Never does she think of self Or ever get annoyed. She never is resentful,
(6)  Is never glad with sin, But always glad to side with truth, Whene’er the truth should win.
(7)  She bears up under everything, Believes the best in all, There is no limit to her hope, And never will she fall.
(8)  Love never fails. Now if there are prophecies, they will be done away with. If there are tongues, they will cease. If there is knowledge, it will be done away with.

The only way the finish line will not be crossed, the only way victory will be averted is if somehow and in some way quitting is imposed, whether willingly or otherwise. From death to a mere choice to take another, less resistant route there is a challenge to completion that is very real and effective against those who are susceptible, against those whose focus has become diverted from the prize. Where passion and purpose has been fixed upon the reward, however, there is nothing, including death that can separate them from the success of a love eternal.

There is a cartoon character that keeps coming to mind as I’ve thought on this never-quitting attitude of love. Wonderful Pepe LePew, the undauntable French skunk, whose passions have become ignited over a cat that has by some misfortune come to look like a skunk, doesn’t know how to even consider stopping the pursuit of his new found love. Though continually rejected and made to endure endless physical trials and mauling, his unfailing response is to bounce along after his ‘love’ and produce incredible optimism in the face of impossible opposition. He says things like, ’She thinks that by running away from me she is going to make herself more attractive to me- How right she is.’, ‘Oh well, there are other fish in the sea—- if you like fish.’ and ‘You know, most men  would get discouraged about love. Fortunately for her I am not like most men.’ Rather than become discouraged by resistance, he is inspired ever more to press on to acquire his prize.

Quitting will always be an option that is the most popular and readily chosen, but for the one who isn’t ‘like most men’, there is a reward that looms large in the sights, prohibiting even the consideration of a terminated quest. Though there may be a seemingly endless barrage of rejection, abuse, maltreatment, neglect, exploitation or just temptation to give up trying to walk the path of righteousness in pursuit of a unique eternal purpose, there will ever be a victorious option in the love of God. There will ever be a way to rise from the dust and ashes with a word of faith and optimism that reflects a heart ensconced in this never failing nature of love that bears all, believes the best and has no limit. The thought of giving up or quitting will become a fleeting one as the nature of God is acquired in His presence and His eternal optimism produces faith responses where woe, worry and despair were once heard.

There is an aroma of God’s presence to be spread wherever we go. For some it will be the fragrance of life while in others it will produce rejection and persecution as it means death to them. (2 Corinthians 2:15-16) Once set on the course of life in Christ, however, there need not be any turning from its perfect way of liberty no matter its reception. Given a mission and a purpose in Him, there need not be the slightest consideration of the opposition as the nature of love elevates the allure of the prize far above any resistance. May the undaunted pursuit continue today in an attitude of unfailing and unstoppable love.

Galatians 6:9 KJV
(9)  And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Psa 112:7  He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD.

Proverbs 8:34-36 KJV
(34)  Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.
(35)  For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD.
(36)  But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.

So, according to this passage, just failing to pursue wisdom or actively seeking it out is the same as sinning against or hating it.

I had this friend who, when I first met him appeared to be somewhat of a classy guy- you know, someone who you might see in a shiny sports car with a fresh detail and a smooth sounding and well cared-for engine. It was a little bit revealing then when I finally came upon him together with the car he actually drove. It was an older Honda sedan minus hub caps and plus a layer of film and bird droppings. I immediately began to try and resolve this somehow with my first impression, considering that maybe the car first of all had to be parked under a heavily bird populated tree at his work place, or maybe he was just driving it as a borrowed car while his real possession was being worked on. The more I discovered about his relationship with his car, however, I came to feel that he just really didn’t care that much for it- maybe even hated it a bit. Surely anyone that cared the least for their vehicle would give it a scrub down once in a while and do something about that loose muffler and rumbly engine. Maybe with time and a few scratches here and there the passion had worn off to the point of neglect, but without question, the love just wasn’t there now whether or not it had ever been.

Now, this is quite different from the obvious affection expressed for the cars of my neighbor across the street. His cars aren’t the latest models or the fanciest, but he faithfully gives them a detailed bath at least once a week. It’s not just a squirt with the hose, either, but a real soap and water, towel down and tire dressing that gives you the impression his cars really mean something to him. What is also interesting about the love shown to his vehicles is that it directly reflects on his own well being and character. The consistency and faithfulness towards his cars is just a part what contributes to the quality of life and fulfillment that he seems to experience as a whole. His care in this one area is just a reflection of the love and appreciation he apparently has for life itself. From the time he first took possession, whether the car was brand new or second hand, it had never become an object of obvious neglect defining hate. His care of and pursuit of its maintenance had never diminished in the least, and it, as a result continues to provide him with a well running and beautiful means of transportation.

We’ve come into possession of a vehicle that will take us through the most difficult terrain of life to a prosperous and victorious destination. 1 Corinthians 1:30 says that in Christ we’ve been given what is also referred to here in Proverbs, wisdom. Like the car in the driveway, however, our feelings toward this wisdom will be directly reflected in how actively we pursue its care. How often does this treasure of such incredible potential get neglected and covered up with built up grime and road debris without just a little TLC from a caring hand? While it will produce blessing for the one who listens to its warnings and directives, there will only be trouble and breakdown for the soul that ignores its needs and leaves untended its requirements. Why not experience the fullness of life and development of character that is inevitable in the care and love of wisdom? Hate for it will require no effort at all, but will be declared by its obvious neglect, while love for it will equally be declared by the blessing and beauty it will bring to all of life in the favor of the Lord.