“The woman took of its fruit and ate; and she also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate.”  Genesis 3:6

“Can a blind person guide a blind person?  Will not both fall into a pit?”  Luke 6:39

 I have good memories growing up with a sister, 1 ½ years older than myself.  We were playmates and good friends as well as sisters.  As the younger, for the most part I did whatever seemed like a good idea at the time.  I didn’t often question our frequent bad decisions or foresee consequences.  There was enough blame to share.  She said “Verla did it!”  I said “Well, she told me to!”  (I loved my sister dearly and still do!)  

We are influenced/led in various ways – family, friends, teachers, coaches.  Some give orders, expecting obedience.  Others teach and gently lead, encouraging hard work, suggesting improvements, working together.

We choose whom we will follow.  With whom do we want to be aligned?  What philosophy suits us?  We join movements that tend to reinforce our point of view.  Some marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for equal rights, while others readily joined forces in opposition.  Many joined Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Scranton championing women suffrage, but others railed against them.  Then, some simply get caught up in gangs and mob mentality.  

My sister and I were children (old enough to know better) but grownups (me too) continue to behave badly.  God gave us commandments.  If we could live accordingly we would have a much more peaceful world.  Jesus gave a new commandment – Love One Another – and demonstrated how to do so.  But God allowed us choice to behave otherwise.  We need a Savior, a Light to guide us and help us see.  

Dear Lord, our Redeemer, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”  Guide our decisions to follow your will – for r ourselves and the well-being of others.  By your grace keep us under your wing, within your fold.  Amen

Verla Olson              

Ministries
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