Proverbs 4: 20-27 (NIV)
"My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart;
for they are life to those who find them
and health to one’s whole body. Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your way. Do not turn to the right or the left;keep your foot from evil."
Being Christians we must regularly read the Bible for guidance on how to live our lives. It is our responsibility to prioritise time within our sometimes busy schedule. It is impossible to walk in fruitfulness and righteousness when we do not live by God's standards. We can only do so if we know what God expects of us. The Word of God brings healing, understanding, knowledge, wisdom and comfort. The Word fills us anew and keeps us on the correct path.
Often we are heavily influenced by our flesh. We allow our emotions to rule us. We wear our hearts on our sleeves. If we are upset or angry it is easy to speak words that will offend and hurt. Therefore we need to protect our hearts, we need to learn to think before speaking harsh words. We need to think about the consequences of the words we speak and the actions we take. We are called to love and speak sweet words that edify, build up and encourage. We need to look to God and ask for strength. We must make an active decision to live as God commands whether we feel like it or not.
Keeping our focus on God will help us in our Christian walk. God can speak to us and show us the right way. We often think we know the way, even the road that looks good could be the wrong path. Let us allow the Lord to lead us onto the right path - the path he has ordained specifically for us. When we lose our place God is gracious to forgive us and set us onto the right track away from a life of chaos, confusion and darkness.