Best Choice

DEVOTION
PROVERBS
BEST CHOICE
Prov 13:18
18 He who ignores discipline comes to poverty and shame,
but whoever heeds correction is honored.
NIV
It is most likely many poeple would see this as a reflection upon those who refuse to accept the teaching and discipline to learn a skill or profession which would provide for the necessities of life and thus receive honor from his fellow man for being a production member of society, but instead by refusing such become a beggar of sorts and be looked down upon. That would seem to be what is going on here on the first glance, but I am not sure we could stop there. Although it is true one needs to apply yourself to the task of learning which does require a certain amount of discipline in order to work successfully at any type employment. It is also true society holds those who are successful at their professions with a certain amount of honor while not thinking so honorably about those who live off the provisions of others. But what is the best for of discipline? Would it not be spiritual discipline which brings the greatest form of honor? Would it not be the correction which is provided by God’s word which provides honor before God? If a person ignores the discipline and correction God provides for life, that person would surely be spiritually bankrupt and have nothing but shame when standing before God on the last day. Therefore it is the most intelligent choice to heed, to accept, to apply the correction God declares. The wisest decision is not to ignore his discipline for life, but to apply myself to the task of learning how to live as a believer in Jesus Christ. If I ignore the teachings about faith, how am I to please God? If I ignore the correction regarding areas of my spiritual being which need change, how am I going to please God? If I simply live to fulfill and satisfy or gratify the cravings of my own desires, how am I going to please God? I need the discipline and correction of God in order to please him. In accepting these I will never be spiritually poor but rich with great reward and honor as I stand before my God. This is the best choice.