Walk with the wise and become wise

Good morning everyone,

Our theme for this month: “Selfcare”

Our Bible verse for today: “The one who walks with the wise will become wise…” Proverbs 13:20 (CSB)

Our thought for today: “Walk with the wise and become wise”

I have always remembered a statement I read many years ago written by Billy Graham’s brother-in-law, Leighton Ford. Like Billy, Leighton was also an evangelist and author. Writing about his own discipleship habits and the ways in which he learned some of his most important lessons, Leighton wrote, “I surround myself with the thoughts of those who have thought much about God.”

What he meant was that he read and studied lots of books, devotionals, articles, and sermons from great men and women of God, and he learned much from them. He also wrote down important truths and inspiring quotes and kept them close. He carried them in his pocket, or he used them as bookmarkers, or he taped them to his bathroom mirror. His intent was to surround himself with the thoughts of those who have thought much about God.

Fred Rogers (of Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood fame) was like that too. In the introduction to his book “The World According to Mr. Rogers” (which was written for adults not children), Fred’s wife Joanne wrote (after his death) “There were always quotes tucked away in Fred’s wallet, next to his neatly folded bills, or in the pages of his daily planner book .. he liked having words of wisdom close to him, as if he wanted – or needed – to be constantly reminded of what was important in life … those close to him knew that he was constantly striving to be the best that he could be.”

These last few days I was on a personal retreat, alone in a cabin in the woods, just me and Jesus, and my journal from the last year. As I reviewed the 365 daily entries from my year of healing, renewal, and restoration, I was struck by how many books I had read regarding how God works in our lives to bring us through the valleys and then into the next new season of life. The pages of my journal are filled with quotes and excerpts (pearls of wisdom) from men and woman who have thought much about God and His ways.

That is precisely the point Solomon was making in Proverbs 13:20. We learn from and become like those we associate with. Our association with them may be in-person, or it may be through the written word, but we learn from and become like those we associate with. If you want to become wise, spend lots of time with those who are wise.

For the sake of good selfcare, I encourage you to surround yourself with the thoughts of those who have thought much about God. If you walk with the wise you will become wise.

God bless,
Pastor Jim

(If you like what you’re reading in these daily devotionals and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00 – in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville

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