Biblical Reflections · Christian Living

Destroyers?

4 min read, approximately

John 10:9-13
“I am the door; whoever enters through me will be saved, will come in and go out, and will find pasture. The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy; I have come so that they may have life, and have it in abundance. I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep. But the hired worker, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming, abandons the sheep, and flees. The wolf seizes and scatters the sheep. The hired worker flees because he is hired and does not care about the sheep.”

Every day of our lives involves constant decisions, and each one requires care, analysis, prudence, attention, and effort.

No wonder the apostle Paul wrote to Timothy:

“But continue in what you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you learned it, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which can make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, convicting, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the person of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:14-17)

Knowing God’s Word and meditating on it will always bring excellent benefits for making decisions with wisdom and discernment. The more we grow, the more responsibilities we take on, and maintaining a close relationship with the Lord is vital if we do not want to become like the Destroyer.

When King Solomon realized the magnitude of the situations he would need to resolve as a ruler, he hastened to pray and say to the Lord:

“Now, O Lord my God, you have made me, your servant, king in place of David my father. But I am young and do not know how to come in or go out. Your servant is among your people whom you have chosen, a great people too numerous to count. Give your servant an understanding heart to judge your people and discern between good and evil, for who can govern this great people of yours? The Lord was pleased that Solomon asked for this.” (1 Kings 3:7-10)  

In a Few Words

“I do not know everything…
Please, Lord, help me, guide me, teach me, direct me.”

The Consequences of Acting as Destroyers

When we make hasty decisions, we risk acting as destroyers—not only of our own lives, but of everyone around us. How many families have been devastated by a poor decision? How many children have become lost in harmful habits because their parents did not provide instruction, discipline, and correction? How many marriages have been destroyed by confusing license with freedom?

 “A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing what is in his heart.” (Proverbs 18:2)

A person who refuses counsel and instruction and considers themselves wise in their own eyes will sooner or later join those who act foolishly to steal, kill, and destroy. Stealing the peace of those around them, trampling their loved ones’ dreams and plans, and destroying the beautiful next generation the Lord so carefully entrusted to them.

Please:

“Let no one deceive themselves. If anyone among you considers themselves wise in this age, let them become a fool so that they may become wise.” (1 Corinthians 3:18)

There is only one who came to steal, kill, and destroy, and it is not us.

Are We Acting, or Have We Acted, as Destroyers?

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Most Holy One is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10)

“My son, do not forget my law, and let your heart keep my commandments, for they will add length of days, years of life, and peace to you. Never let mercy and truth leave you; bind them around your neck and write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will find favor and a good reputation in the eyes of God and people. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. Acknowledge him in all your ways, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil. This will be medicine for your body and refreshment for your bones.” (Proverbs 3:1-8)  

Do we trust our own opinion and end up destroying, or trust the Lord, follow his instruction, and bring beauty to everything along our path?

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May God continue to bless you, and may you continue to have an excellent day in Christ Jesus!