Lake Junaluska, a 200-acre reservoir near my home, is fed by Richland Creek, which flows through a densely populated area in our county. Two nets, spaced 100 feet apart, have been stretched across the creek’s mouth. After heavy rains, a lot of debris is caught in the nets—bottles, sticks, tires, balls, even Styrofoam coolers. Periodically, a maintenance crew spends many hours scooping the debris out of the creek with a track hoe.
Proverbs 2:11 comes to mind each time I pass those nets. As they prevent trash from polluting the lake, discretion and understanding can prevent trash from polluting my life. Discretion and understanding may seem like synonyms, but their definitions have subtle differences. Understanding is intellectual—comprehending what is right; discretion is experiential—doing what is right in the most effective way at the appropriate moment.
We need both skills to avoid the dangers Solomon mentions in Proverbs 2:12-19: ways that are wicked, dark, and crooked, as well as people who are devious, seductive, and perverse.
The Lake Junaluska nets keep dangerous debris out of the lake. Because the nets are constantly on duty, people can kayak, canoe, and fish in the lake. Waterfowl swim safely. Wildlife has an ample supply of drinking water. So much of God’s creation benefits from the lake’s cleanness.
Similarly, many people other than myself will reap the benefits if I keep the nets of discretion and understanding stretched across the creeks that flow into my life: work, friendships, media, trends, and experiences. Keeping my life clean affects not only my family, friends, and coworkers, but also anyone else I encounter day-to-day.
How do I obtain these protective nets? They can’t be purchased. They must be crafted. They’re handmade and heart-woven, made strong as I weave Scripture into my life. Here are four of my net Scriptures: Romans 12:17-18, Colossians 3:12-15, Philippians 4:6-8, and 1 Peter 2:11-12.
What protective scriptural nets keep pollution out of your life?
(Photo courtesy of Denise Loock.)
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Denise Loock is the author of two devotional books that highlight the scriptural truths of classic hymns and gospel songs, Open Your Hymnaland Open Your Hymnal Again. She is also the founder of Dig Deeper Devotions, a website that encourages Christians of all ages to dig deeper into the Word of God. Two collections of devotions from the website are available on Amazon: Restore the Joy: Daily Devotions for December and Restore the Hope: Devotions for Lent and Easter.