Christian Living

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I get the impression that some people think if they don’t buy the flyswatter, they won’t get flies. It’s as though they are afraid that preparing for trouble is the same as inviting trouble to happen, or as though acknowledging a potential problem will be the very catalyst for its existence. So, they don’t prepare – they don’t get ready. Even when trouble does begin to loom on the horizon, they behave like the ostrich, who hides her head in the sand.

It should be obvious that is not an effective way to deal with trouble. What I find in scripture is actually exactly the opposite. Sometimes I think the book of Proverbs could be called the book of consequences. In fact, the most prevalent theme of Proverbs seems to be that actions have consequences. If we would listen to what the book says, and if we would allow the whole word of God to fully train us, how much better our lives would be. You see, the bible does promise that trouble will come. Jesus even promised that wars would come. We might not be happy with that, but it is true. He also said, “In the world you will have tribulation. But be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

From the smallest problem in our lives – like flies – to the most horrendous – like wars – trouble will come. Ignoring that fact won’t help. Preparing for it and planning ahead is being mature and responsible. By not acknowledging it we are being foolish, and the very evil we wish to avoid becomes the reality we then have to live with. If I don’t buy the flyswatter, when the flies get in the house I will not have an effective way of dealing with them. If I think I am being a peace-lover by criticizing a government and president who try to defend my life by dealing proactively with dangerous elements, then maybe I deserve what I end up with.

God, have mercy. My advice is simple: Buy the flyswatter!

Proverbs 27:12 NASB
A prudent man sees evil and hides himself,
The naive proceed and pay the penalty.

© 2008 Sherri Ward

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