Listen And Learn // Micah

For many, the old adage “live and learn” translates into a call to “turn a deaf ear” to the voices of wisdom around them. After all, if experience is the best teacher, then what good does it serve to sit at the feet of another?

Proverbs 1, however, reminds us that we can avoid much pain and trial, as well as, save valuable time by tuning into the godly counsel around us. In the words of John Dickson, “We can glean in 5 minutes what may otherwise take us six months,” if we learn to listen.

The truth is, wisdom’s best apprentices embrace both. They understand that while it is essential to glean all one can from experience, we grow truly wise when we Listen And Learn. 

Proverbs 1:5 “Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance.”

Proverbs 1:20 & 23 “Wisdom shouts in the streets. She cries out in the public square. Come and listen to my counsel. I'll share my heart with you and make you wise.”

Proverbs 1:33 “But all who listen to me will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm.”

- Micah McElveen

Happily Wed // Micah

James 4:4-5 Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously?”

We all have ambitions, which flow from our hopes and desires. The first few verses in James 4 remind us that dissension in Christ’s family chiefly flows from ungodly ambitions being pursued in ungodly ways. Like a hot knife through butter, verse 4 cuts to the chase declaring, “You are with me or you are against me, choose this day whom you will serve… and if it is me, then love me exclusively and follow me wholeheartedly.”

He uses language from the bedroom, reminding us that we sleep around on God when we choose the world over Him. He explains that cheating creates division in the family and sows discord between us and God. He pulls from other scriptures, highlighting that God, like a good husband, has a zealous and jealous love for His bride. He reminds us that anyone who violates the intimacy meant between exclusive lovers, no doubt becomes the enemy of the betrayed.

Father, help us to quit vacillating and embrace the hope of Heaven, the desires of the Lover of Our Soul. Help us to align ourselves with the ambitions of our bridegroom, Jesus Christ. Transform our will to yours, Maker, Savior, and Lord, that we would walk in our union as lovers, Happily Wed.

- Micah McElveen