Pay Attention

Scripture: Proverbs 27:23-24 (NIV)

Be sure you know the condition of your flocks; give careful attention to your herds; for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations.

Devotion:

Though we may not be as familiar with the farm imagery as the original audience for this proverb, we can still understand its essential message. We have all known a time when we just assumed something would take care of itself, only to find it needed our urgent attention. The message of this proverb is that diligence today protects blessings tomorrow. In this devotion, we will explore the concept of intentional, faithful discipleship in every aspect of our lives.

In an agricultural context, knowing the condition of your flocks and paying attention to your herds, or, if you are a grain farmer, paying attention to your fields, makes all the difference in the world. Farming has never been a get rich quick scheme. Sometimes it's said jokingly that a farmer only works a few weeks planting the crops and a few weeks at harvest; the rest is all vacation. Anyone familiar with farm life at all knows that is far from the truth. As the farmer daily attends to herds, flocks, and fields, so we are called to daily attend to the duties God has appointed for us.

Giving careful attention is being diligent, consistent, and intentional about the things God has placed in your care. Care is not an accident. It requires daily effort and discipline. Careful attention spots problems and issues when they are small, before they become major crises. In our lives, we must cultivate habits of prayer, planning, accountability, and wise decision-making to be good stewards of whatever God has entrusted to our care. This should be the highest priority because it honors God and treats His gifts responsibly.

There is a warning in verse 24; we do well to heed it. The blessings that God gives do not just happen by accident. They are built day by day through effort and care. This proverb tells it like it is: without intentional care, wealth, influence, and opportunities can come to a sudden and often dramatic halt. In our spiritual life, faith grows when attention is given to Bible reading, prayer, fasting, and other spiritual disciplines, but weakens when they are absent. Relationally, marriages, friendships, and church unity thrive when nurtured, but suffer when treated casually. We must invest in what matters to us while we have the opportunity to do so.

We cannot begin to care for everything all at once. We need to take some small steps each day until we see improvement in our situation. We learn from the parable of the talents that God blesses those who take care to improve what has been given to them. If we do our part, God will do the rest.

 Prayer:

Lord, grant us wisdom to see clearly what you are calling us to be more diligent about in our lives. Help us to be faithful stewards of all you have given us. We thank you for all the responsibilities and relationships You have given us. We ask for strength to tend to those things intentionally with great love. Amen.