“You know what’s expected of you. Do the right thing, no matter what everyone else is doing.” My son and I have had that conversation over and over.
We have it–and will keep having it–because human nature simply doesn’t tend toward doing what is right. We tend toward doing whatever in the world we want to do.
Without consistent practice and coaching, players drift toward rustiness in their skills.
And without consistent reminders of the truth of God’s word, we each drift toward the sin that wants to entangle us.
Proverbs 29:18 speaks to this: “Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, but happy is he who keeps the law.”
Many have understood this verse incorrectly, thinking that “vision” means some picture of the better future we can have. Additionally, most misunderstanding happens because we don’t read the remainder of the verse, the part that talks about keeping God’s law.
In truth, “vision” here means “revelation,” or a word from God. Without that, or without constant reminders of it, people are unrestrained (they do what they want). It’s obvious in every setting: those who spurn the word of God ultimately live life by their own compass, which might seem to be right, but in the end leads to destruction.
Without the consistent coaching and instruction from Scripture, we as coaches and players will tend toward our own selfish desires. That’s just the way it is.
But, as the verse says, those who keep God’s law–his vision or revelation–are happy. They are happy because this is the life God blesses. This is the life that doesn’t make the same stupid mistakes over and over. This is the life that finds eternal reward. This is the life of true impact and influence.
Baseball must be practiced every day to acquire proficiency. Life is the same way. Scripture must be digested daily and obeyed consistently to have a life that is truly blessed.
Lord Jesus, stop my drift toward myself. Give me a hunger for your word, to know and obey what you’ve said. Thank you for your grace and forgiveness when I live unrestrained. Amen.
