Choices and Promises

Proverbs 3:3 (KJV) Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:

Which is more important, grace or obedience?  I’m not sure that either one is optional or expendable.  Grace obviously is central.  It is only through the free gift of God that we can know salvation.  It is only through the free gift of His Holy Spirit that we can know power and direction.  But I use the word “free” loosely because there is always a condition attached.  Salvation is beyond our reach.  It’s something we cannot do so we trust in Him.  At the same time there are actions He expects from us.

That brings me to this verse and I see two very important words here.  First you chesed.  That is the word translated “mercy” or “kindness”.  Then you have “truth”.  These are two central words to the Old Testament and the concepts translate into the New Testament.  But notice that we are to “write them on our heart”.  God gives a gift.  We must apply it.  The verse starts off with “let not”.  That speaks vigilance.

So?  Don’t squander the gifts of God.  Draw close to Him.  Take the word, read it, understand it, and apply it.  That’s the only way you will get it onto the tablet of your heart.