Proverbs 9 New Life Version (NLV)
Wisdom—or the Way to Hell
Interesting way to introduce a blog on worship, creativity and dreaming.
Portions of this proverb remind me of challenges students encounter when leaving home to strike out on their own. Young men and women thrust into the intense drama of pursuing dreams for independence.
Was it so different for me? My college adventures started in 1973 at Westmar College in LeMars, Iowa. Living on my own for the first time. It was wonderful
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Photo Credit: http://westmarcollege.org/HistoryP6.html
Interesting dorm compared to the modern ones of today.
After my encounter with Jesus in 1973, I discovered a different me. Barriers of insecurity were dropping right and left. I became a little chatterbox- more outgoing and fun to be with.
You may be wondering “Where is all of this heading?” Wisdom,College,Tips to be outgoing?
Students, heading off to colleges or universities with their new found independence will experience a euphoric out pour. No boundaries. FREEDOM, with all capital letters. No adult to tell them to make a bed or turn off the light and go to sleep. Possibly not even a curfew.
With this freedom comes the challenge of intense in your face decisions that you need to make by yourself.
Believe me, making your bed, or when to go to bed may be the least of your problems.
During my first summer out of high school and half of my freshman semester of college I realized physical attraction can be a dangerous thing when it is reciprocated with little barriers. Even at a Christian College. Others saw a good show on the outside. I went to my classes. I performed all of the correct actions. I presented a solid person. The problem with going through the correct actions is that it can become just that – actions. How could I lead people in worship meetings, then with a very decisive turn release myself into activities I regretted later? I was two people and no one knew.
Prov. 9 NLV
13 A foolish woman makes much noise. She is open to sin, and knows nothing. 14 She sits at the door of her house or on a seat in the high places of the city. 15 She calls to those who pass by and are making their paths straight, 16 “Whoever is easy to fool, let him turn in here!” She says to the one without understanding, 17 “Stolen water is sweet. And bread eaten in secret is pleasing.” 18 But he does not know that the dead are there, and that the ones who visit her are in the bottom of hell.
I was the one walking by the gate. I was the fool who kept turning in. I thought that because I asked Jesus to live in me and I was going to a Christian College, I would be safe. WRONG!!!!
I was full of pride. I wanted to end the actions, but wasn’t strong enough to state what it really was. SIN!
God is SO FAITHFUL. God is SO FULL OF LOVE. I was never out of His sight or care. God knew my dreams could only be set free by His righteous right hand. Not by my silly weakness
Prov.9 NLV
12 If you are wise, your wisdom is a help to you. If you laugh at the truth, you alone will suffer for it.
I needed to confess my sin, with a real desire to have God release me. In one night of a single prayer with a friend, I was set free.
SEX, DRUGS, DRINKING ABUSE UNDERAGE DRINKING,MULTIPLE OBJECTS ON YOUR PLATE THAT YOU NEVER CAME IN CONTACT WITH BEFORE. With freedom and independence, there are risks and challenges.
You do not walk alone. See the light. You are not bound to a specific action no matter what anyone says. You have been given too many dreams and gifts to waste on very temporary pleasures. My challenges of 41 years ago may appear to be different than what is before you. Do not be deceived. The road of wisdom and true joy is outstretched before you. What will you choose?
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