The last part of 1 Peter 5:5 (ESV) states: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” At age thirteen I began driving boats, spending endless hours on a large lake. Those years of experience did little to prepare me for the complications of navigating tidal waters since lakes rarely require navigational buoys. On my first boating adventure as a young adult in unfamiliar tidal waters we headed to shore without paying attention to channel markers and ran aground at nearly full speed. No injuries thankfully, but we were seriously grounded on a sand bar until the tide rose. Thankfully, the only real harm was to my bruised ego. Father in Your mercy please grant me a teachable heart and awaken my discernment to the navigation signals You place along my path. Deliver me from presumption and teach me to be alert to Your guidance and that of others wiser than I.
A serious pursuit of godliness requires an equally serious renunciation of worldliness. Too often, we measure spirituality with false scales. While being wisely selective with our public vices we are less so with our private attitudes and perspectives. In reality, it is the thoughts and intents of the heart where the greatest battles must be waged; our actions will ultimately align with the condition of our hearts. Lord God, You know me inside out, You are not fooled by human facades. Plow my heart with Your Word and Spirit and leave nothing unturned. Refresh my inward man that I may outwardly glorify You in all places at all times.
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