Passages For Spiritual Reflection

Proverbs (4:14-15) “Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way.”  

  It is often very hard for us to recognize that we are being influenced in a negative posture or perhaps even being dragged down by either friends, acquaintances, co-workers, and sometimes, even some of our own family members.    

  In this section of Proverbs we are being fore warned of our own negligence in defending ourselves from wrong or evil pressures generated from our desires to be connected with others.    

  Although it is nice to be accepting of others it is also very important that we remain cautiously guarded about the many facets in basic human behavior which is not healthy. We always must be judging and examining our actions to insure they are not being subliminally coerced by people we are fond of or find favor with. Sometimes we are just plain being selfish because we are trying to get away with something that deep in our hearts, we know is wrong or not fair to others around us!     

  Many of us will not take the time to look or fairly evaluate the speech, habits, or the actions of others. We overlook bad traits, or make excuses for them, and even try to justify them in one way or another. But if we are diligently practicing self preserving observances, soon a pattern of warning signs will develop in order for you to see that maybe the company you are keeping is not good.     

  This is generally a harder concept for the younger people to focus on but unfortunately adults can fall pray to wrongful influences as well. If you find yourself speaking, thinking, or doing things which you might not normally do, ask yourself this question: Is there somebody around in your life right now that maybe causing negative disguised influence – in the wrong direction?  

© Phillip E. Sorant ******* 2010