Two birds at the same time.
Proverbs 10:17
He who heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whever ignores correction leads other astray.
As God's people, it is important to remember that the life that we live, the things we decide in life not only affect our own actions and our own paths but also others. The proverb writer reminds us that those who heed disciple shows the way to life; who do we usually show our lives to? to others. We usually don't show life to ourselves since that would be rhetorical. A disciplined life is a testimony to others. Those who ignore correction lead others astray; we not only derail our ourselves from the paths of righteousness, but we also drag others to do the same. We must remember that everything we do, show, and decide in life shows to others. What we show to others is what we want them to "do"; either now or later.
I remember when I was at a meeting, I saw someone doing something else and half-heartedly (or at least that's what I saw) present in the meeting. His decision to "do something else" has caused me to also feel that when I'm at a meeting, it's ok to be half-hearted and half-present. I really remembered how when I was also at meeting recently, that doing something else while I was in it wasn't such a big deal. Why is this? This is what the proverb writer was talking about. We affect other people for what we do, for what they see in us.
Therefore, I must be careful to always live a disciplined life. Knowing what to do and when to do things under God's divine guidance so I can influence a life of discipline to other people as well. Everyday is a constant correction and I will take that as a way to not only lead myself to the paths of righteousness, but also leading others to the right way for what they see in me. In a way, "I'll be killing 2 birds at the same time!".
Thank you Lord for speaking to me through this verse in a different way. Truly, Your Word is living and active. Help me to live a life worthy to become a model and a testimony to not only believers but more importantly, to unbelievers. Thank you! I will totally live my life for Your Glory! :) In Jesus' name, Amen.
