Let Me Not Wander

Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. Here we begin some teaching on the reality of who we are . Now maybe you have never looked at this bit of the Bible in this way, but I would like to challenge you to look at it from this perspective. Not looking at other people to see who they really are, but asking yourself if you are a wolf in sheep's clothing.

Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. There are other places in the Bible where Jesus tells us that His way is easy, that His burden is light. But as easy as it is, there are still few who find it. Some miss the way because of the deception of the world. Some miss the way because of their own deception. They hear the word, but they never do what it says, so they live, thinking that they are OK, when in reality they are headed down the wrong path. Some miss the way because of the cares of this world. The path to destruction is wide. To get on this path is easy. Which path are you on today?

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. If you would summarize all of the teachings, into one phrase that would be a good rule to live by, it would be this verse. This rule has even made it into the secular world. Some even forget who the author of this rule is, and where it came from. But it is easy to forget to apply this when you hear it too often. In all that you do today, do to others what you would want them to do to you.

Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! In relation to the previous two verses, here we see an illustration as to why God will answer our prayers. Probably one of the most important concepts here is that God is good. He is going to give us what is good.

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. When we read these two verses, we like to focus on the receiving, the finding, and the opening. I would like to challenge you to focus on the asking, the seeking, and the knocking. What kinds of things are you asking for? What are you seeking after, and what doors are you hoping to open with your knocking?

Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces. I suppose that you are hoping for some amazing commentary on this verse. Don't got it. Please feel free to add some input on this one.