Alan Fong
3 min read
Alan Fong
3 min read
Alan Fong
3 min read
Stay Away
Today's Verse:
My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change: ~Proverbs 24:21
Whenever you go hiking in a forested or mountainous area, it is very important that you follow all signs that are posted. Sometimes, a sign will be posted that warns of poison oak, mountain lions in the area, or venomous snakes. Signs might be posted warning of dangerous slopes, flash floods, or risks of falling. These postings are warnings that we should stay clear of possible danger to our personal well-being. As a wise king, Solomon warns us to stay away from the danger of involvement with people who are unstable in their ways.
There is the scriptural reason.
Someone “given to change” is doubleminded. A doubleminded person vacillates in his faith concerning God. He is doubtful about the validity of God’s commandments. He is doubtful of the power of God. He is more a man of the flesh and pragmatism than he is a man of faith and belief in God. Jacob described his son Reuben as unstable as water. “A doubleminded man is unstable in all his ways.” He is more prone to falling into temptation and sin. He is more prone to not praying. He is not characterized by loyalty. He changes his mind and belief. He is not grounded in the doctrines of the Word of God. He is someone led by his feelings rather than being led of the Spirit. This person speaks truth and deception out of the same mouth. He is a man “given to change.”
There are the substantial risks.
Solomon said, “Their calamity shall rise suddenly.” They fall into trouble easily and lead others into the same trouble. They create confusion. They beguile unstable souls. They say what they want you to hear, but their actions are contrary to this. They will disappoint you. They are compromisers, and they lead those who are undiscerning into compromise. They skip out on church and lead others to do the same. They are swayed by popular opinion and not by the precepts of God’s Word. If allowed to be in an influential capacity, they influence others to choose less than God’s best. They do not encourage others to draw closer to God. On the contrary, they question the Bible, Bible standards, people in authority, and best practices every Christian should follow. Solomon asked, “Who knoweth the ruin of them both?” This means the unstable person’s influence over you will lead to your ruin as well as his.
There must be a strict removal.
“Meddle not with them that are given to change.” Solomon tells us to not fellowship or do business with those given to change. They are more prone to changing you than you changing them. Unstable people are not careful about their choices and decisions. We must withdraw from fellowship with them. Don’t leave any impression on their mind that you are on the same page with them. If your friends are not fervent about the Lord, they will affect you and you will not be fervent for the Lord. If your associations question authority, they will lead you to question authority and be rebellious. Pull away from anything and anyone that shows instability.
There is a spiritual responsibility.
“Fear thou the LORD and the king.” The only trusted relationships that you can follow are those which are absolute. God and His Word are absolute. God’s Word will not mislead you. Follow spiritual authority that follows God. Solomon loved God and His Word and confidently encourages us to follow Him. Make your sources of trusted counsel God and those Whom He has anointed as your spiritual advisors.
Stay clear of being influenced by those given to change. “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.”
Have a discerning God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Psalm 21-25
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