Out of an abundance of caution bugs me. The phrase arose during the height of covid, when the virus raged and everything shut down. It’s a convenient expression to hide behind, because in our days of control, who can blame someone for avoiding harm at all costs?

I wonder if the children of Israel constructed their golden calf out of an abundance of caution?

Sitting at the base of a smoking mountain, where Moses met with God Himself, watching the eruptions and tasting the smoke, they built an idol of a placid cow. Then declared these are our gods who brought us up out of Egypt!

Why?

The God of the mountain overwhelmed all who came near, proving too powerful, too uncontrollable, too wild.

In fear the Israelites turned to the safety of a god they touched, one staring back with make-believe eyes. They watched their masters in Egypt keep the gods in place. So they followed suit and closed their hearts to the blazing God before them.

The story pushes me to look inward. Am I in danger of the same mistake? Do I fear a wild God? Does my desire for controlling my own destiny turn me away from the mountain toward shiny objects I finger contentedly?

I have a hunch that living out of an abundance of caution keeps me from experiencing the fullness of God, and prevents people around me from knowing such a wild, wonderful God exists. Following the Lord means giving up control (as if I ever had it anyway).

Turn to the wild and let God take you where He will.

Exodus 32 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Yosh Ginsu

Often I work better knowing a deadline approaches. A countdown spurs my psyche into action. Even with boring tasks during the workday (like plowing through emails), I impose an artificial deadline—clear this inbox by noon—to motivate me to get to work.

Moses encouraged us to count our days for better reasons when he wrote, teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

The older I get, the more I count days. Life shortens, and I want to concentrate on the important things, like family, friends, health, security and meaningful work. The rest of my days may be abundant, but I hope to approach them with insight gleaned from the Lord.

A few lines later Moses shared an nugget of wisdom important to those who number their days. May your deeds be shown to your servants, your splendor to their children.

Perhaps I spend my days best when sharing aspects of the Lord’s love and grace with my children and grandchildren, nieces and nephews, their children and those that follow, cascading His splendor down generations.

Moses closed his psalm with a prayer, a hopeful blessing for me and you as we take stock of our days:

May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands.

Psalm 90 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by charlesdeluvio

What comes to mind when you hear the phrase right and true?

I first think of a skyscraper with straight lines into the blue. Built to withstand high winds and earthquakes. It sits on bedrock—solid and plum—not a hint of leaning.

I think of an honest friend. You might rush out of your house in an emergency, gone for weeks, toss him the keys and know when you return all will be in order.

Or perhaps the phrase reminds you of a spouse who lives their wedding vows, ever right and true, ’til death does them part.

All are wonderful, yet none are as right and true as the word of God. The psalmist recorded: For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.

You might say God’s Word is the right-est and true-ist—worth reading over and over.

Psalm 33 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Viktor Jakovlev

Fortunately I run with good friends in my life, trustworthy and available. I’ve worked with great people, both within my organization and without. On the flip side, there’s a dog in every bunch, as some folks fail to follow-through on commitments and never become a person you can count on.

The apostle Paul experienced similar working relationships, both good and bad. He singled out Epaphroditus for his service to himself and to the work of Christ—Epaphriditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs.

Paul sent Epaphroditus back to his hometown due to a combination of homesickness and concern for the church. But Paul wanted the members to understand that Epaphroditus was not a failure being sent home, but a man who almost died for the work of Christ, who risked his life in service to Paul and the gospel.

It’s valuable to recognize and appreciate the quality people in my life. I need to do it more, especially praising them in front of others, as Paul does here.

Such good people are rare. Honor your Epaphroditus today and let them know how valuable they really are to you, and to all those whose lives they touch.

Philippians 2 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Aziz Acharki