August 22nd – Proverbs 21:21
Proverbs 21:21
We all want to live long, healthy lives. And so we try to eat right, exercise, and get enough sleep. But Solomon tells us the true secret to longevity is pursuing righteousness and loving-kindness. The Hebrew word for pursue is “radaph”. It means to chase, or follow after closely and with great effort and energy. We live in a society that desperately chases after youth. But what we need to passionately pursue is love. Love for God and each other. There’s a quote which says, “Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. And kindness in giving creates love.” We as Christians are to be clothed in righteousness. That means each day to, “put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” (Rom. 13:14) All Jesus did was based in kindness and love. So if we want longer life, spiritual growth, and a good reputation, we would be wise to do the same.