How life should be

Today's sermon was on Proverbs 3:1-8. I find that this passage is divided into four parts, each with what we are called to do, what we are to do and what will happen when we do: peaceful, successful, good and content. 

(1) Do not forget God's teaching but to know it and obey it, and we will have long peaceful days

My son, do not forget my teaching, 

   but let your heart keep my commandments, 

   for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. 

(2) Keep steadfast love and faithfulness as a way of life in whatever we do and we will succeed wherever we will be

Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; 

   bind them around your neck;  

   write them on the tablet of your heart. 

   So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. 

(3) Trust in God, not self, not materially, not abilities, but put our security completely in God, and our paths with be the right and good paths

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, 

   and do not lean on your own understanding. 

   In all your ways acknowledge him, 

   and he will make straight your paths. 

(4) Fear the Lord, for this is is our whole duty, and life will be full and content 

Be not wise in your own eyes; 

   fear the LORD, 

   and turn away from evil. 

   It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.

Sounds easy but if you think about it, it is a complete surrender to God, to deny self, to take up the cross and to follow Him. It's the only way it will work. It's the only way life will work. 

pearlie