The Lord directed me to Proverbs 1 one afternoon this chapter gives context by Solomon to what this book Proverbs is about and the importance of it. Let’s read verses 2-6 as these capsules what is described and expanded through the rest of this remarkable chapter.
Proverbs 1:2-6 (NIV)
“for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight;
for receiving instruction in prudent behaviour, doing what is right and just and fair;
for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young—
let the wise listen and add to their learning,
and let the discerning get guidance—
for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise”.
Wow does this bring about a drawing of your heart to lean your eyes and ears in to hear? It did for me and as I continued to read a verse caught my eye and capturedmy heart
Proverbs 1:32(NIV)
“For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them”;
This verse talks about 2 silent weapons of the enemy
We know what satan’s main mission in this world is only to steal, kill and destroy….(John 10:10 NIV)
And 2 of the weapons as seen in the Proverb, areWAYWARDNESS & COMPLACENCY
Now you may be spirit filled believer saying well I am not wayward, this is what waywardness means doing only what you want, in a way that is difficult to control.
And complacency is a feeling of smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one’s achievements
I have witnessed both of these in my life and slowly seen things so fruitful start to die through trying to do things in my own strength or waywardness. In fact we are either being led by one of two spirits and can so easily be deceived by the enemy, into his camp called waywardness.
The disciples did this when they wanted to call down fire on a village and Jesus pointed said “You do not know what manner of spirit you are of” (Luke 9:55) or led by the spirit God into The Way (John 14:6)
I have also seen incredible and beautiful words and promises from the Father slowly get more and more distant and start fading away through complacency.
How about you ?
So how do we get out of these two destructive places?
Is there still hope?
And can they be overcome?
The Word of God, Romans 1:17 answers for us
“So, in Christ, our sins have been forgiven and there is no condemnation”.
If we read the next verse of one of our opening scripture Proverb 1:32 as it gives us some amazing wisdom, teaching, insight and hope! The very thing described was purpose of Proverbs being written.
“but whoever listens to Me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.” Proverbs 1:33
A reflection of what Jesus said in second part in John 10:10 ….” And I have come so you may have life, and have it to the full”.
If we are to avoid the killer and destroyer schemes called waywardness and complacency we need to direct our ears to the Lord, to listen to what He is saying and be followers of His words and directions not others!
Through covid many people lost their way, Hope, direction and purpose. Whether it was their business, scenes from around the world or NZ death results, dreams started dying and waywardness entered many lives through the need to survive!
Right here Fear entered people and for some it hasdirected them away from the Lord or His plans for them. Yet Scripture says:
1 John 4:18
“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. We love because He first loved us”.
Let’s pause here and pick up part 2 next time, with testimony and prayer for breakthrough.
Challenge Time: (Grab your journal and record what the Lord says)
1. Lord is there anywhere I’ve become wayward or walking in waywardness?
2. Lord is there anywhere I’ve become complacent or walking in complacency?
3. Lord what do You say about these areas?
4. Would You give me a picture or scripture or knowing about these areas to replace it with and declare, so I can walk as an Overcomer in faith, wisdom, clarity, hope. life, and abundance of Jesus!
5. Lord break all fear off me and my family in Jesus name, pour in Your love, hope. joy and life into me and my family.
6. Give Thanks to God and Worship Him.
Father I pray for Your children, Help us all to navigate through out our life’s with You as the main thing. May we we be able to overcome Waywardness and complacency and life in life more abundantly Amen
