Image: "Relentless," 2009, Near Crescent City, California. Photographer: Stephen Van Devender
Proverbs 14:15 The simple believes every word, But the prudent considers well his steps.
Proverbs 15:8–9 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, But the prayer of the upright is His delight. 9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, But He loves him who follows righteousness.
Proverbs 15:29 The LORD is far from the wicked, But He hears the prayer of the righteous.
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As the old saying goes: "If something sounds too good to be true, it probably isn't." To the degree that I have remembered that I have done well. To the degree that I have disregarded it? Well, several painful memories of various transactions come to mind. Like another old saying, "ignorance can be fixed, stupidity is permanent," some lessons have to be relearned often.
Take the example of living Coram Deo, "in the presence of the Lord." I don't know of any Christian who does not agree that this is how we should live. The problem is... we don't practice it very often.
In these two chapters in Proverbs, the idea of living Coram Deo, appears to underlie many if not all the verses. Take for example: Proverbs 15:3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, Keeping watch on the evil and the good. How often, as we go about our daily business, are we attuned to this idea. God is there... everywhere... and He is watching. We may not "practice" the Presence of God but that doesn't mean He is not present. Our God never slumbers nor sleeps... (Psalm 121:4) He is not detached from the everyday life on this planet nor is He hampered by the magnitude of the task. He "keeps watch" on the evil and the good.. that means "on everybody."
If this really sank into our consciousness, what changes might it work in us? It certainly might help us avoid evil and repudiate temptation, but how much more might it awaken us to God honoring possibilities? For example, take Proverbs 14:31 He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, But he who honors Him has mercy on the needy. Here is a specific example of how practicing Coram Deo works, which results in the living God becoming so much more real to us. If, as in this saying, we are confronted with someone less fortunate, we would be alert to the Presence of God in it. If we "oppress" or "deny help where we could extend it" in this situation we ignore that truth that we are insulting our God. Jesus spoke of this when He told those people who would be on His left hand at the last day that they had deprived Him of food and water and clothing when they had withheld it from the poor. On the other hand, living Coram Deo, helps us see God as the one Whom we would actually honor if we show forth mercy. Jesus said the exact same thing about those who would be on His right hand in the day of judgment.
Now this is just one possible scenario where living Coram Deo makes a difference. But the actual range is much wider. It is a whole person, whole existence life. Take another example: Proverbs 14:12 There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. As I mentioned above, avoiding stupid ideas can be a full time, quite challenging task. If something appears "right to a man" then it not only has some appeal but it also seems feasible... appropriate. Here is where social conditioning and habits play a large role. The powerful incentive to go down a road that "seems right" can sometimes only be opposed by a complete turning to God and seeking His counsel. If we are not living in His Presence then our basic attitude is that He is far away and that we are on our own. Usually that doesn't turn out very well. If we practice the Presence of God then our lives should be less prone to stupid mistakes... even some which are "the way of death."
Also practicing the Presence of God powerfully diminishes hypocrisy in our lives. Think about Proverbs 15:8–9 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, But the prayer of the upright is His delight. 9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, But He loves him who follows righteousness. Notice here that for a person who participates in worship of the living God but whose life is characterized as "wicked", that church service, that prayer, that hymn sung, that tithe given, the sermon heard - are all counted as "abominations" to God. That ought to get our attention pretty quick.
When we practice the Presence of God though our inner life more an more brings forth the fruit of a coherent outer life that reflects His Presence. How could we sit in worship, practicing the Presence of God and commit acts which God counted as abominable? We couldn't... they wouldn't be hypocritical. BUT, we cannot just practice His Presence in worship. In order to be able to practice His Presence in worship we have to be conditioned to it in every day life. I guarantee that without the habit of practicing His Presence outside of church, when we get inside it our mind will wander... we won't "connect" with the activities and it will all be just "motions" we go through.
God help us to live in constant heightened awareness of His Presence, every day, every minute, so that we will be a testimony to His glory and we will be lead in paths of righteousness for His Name's sake.
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