Do Not Lean on Your Own Understanding

Read part 1 first, Trust In The Lord.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

 

Don’t Lean on Your Understanding

The verse involves a positive–something you must do. But it also involves a negative–something you must not do. Don’t lean on your own understanding. Basically, the verse is telling us that we ought not to be self-reliant. We cannot pursue a course of action, a financial decision, a business move, a relationship, or an educational choice, simply based on our own understanding. It must be founded in our trust in God.

Self-reliance is such a deceptive trap. We begin to pride ourselves in something–our savvy, our looks, our intellect, our spirituality, our family, whatever. And when we do, it takes away our trust in the Lord. It has become trust in self. The result is a dangerous compromise that will lead to destruction.

 

Instead, Acknowledge God. In Everything.

The antidote to this self-reliance is found in the first command of the verse. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart.” Which is developed in the next verse: “In all your ways acknowledge him.” The word “acknowledge” isn’t merely a polite tip of the hat to the Man Upstairs, or a few words of grace over your meal, or even perfunctory attendance at church to let Him know we’re still cool with what He’s doing. It’s way more. It’s allowing Him access, control, command, and involvement in all your ways.

What’s the result of this? Will God ruin your life? Will he be a Sovereign Killjoy? Will He rob you of fun? The verse ends on a promise. What is it?

 

He will make your paths straight.

The promise is put in the form of a metaphor. What does it mean to have straight paths? Several things. First, paths lead toward an end–a destination, a goal. Thus, trusting God wholeheartedly in every area of life gives your life a sense of purpose and priority. Second, it indicates that there will be a clear understanding of where you are going and what you are doing. It makes daily decision-making an easier and less painful task. You realize you are trusting Him. He, in turn, is making your paths straight. Thus, the way ahead is more apparent. Third, “straight paths” suggests moral purity. It suggests a life that has less of sinful compromise and more of wholesome attitudes, actions, and behavior.

That’s the kind of life that God promises. It’s the kind of life that you can have. It begins with trust. It involves acknowledging God in every way.



            

            

                        
            
            
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Medical and Liability Release Form

RELEASE OF ALL CLAIMS

This form needs to be completed and signed by a parent or guardian. The annual medical and liability release form is designed to provide information in the event of an emergency, permission to seek medical treatment, and parental consent of participation

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MEDICAL RELEASE AUTHORIZATION BY PARENTS/GUARDIANS:

After failed attempts to contact us (me), we (I) authorize the responsible adult representing Saint Michael Lutheran Church, in whose care the minor has been entrusted, to consent to any x-ray examination, anesthetic, medical, surgical, or dental diagnosis or treatment, and hospital care, to be rendered to the minor under the general or special supervision and on the advice of any physician or dentist licensed under the provisions of the Medical Practice Act on the medical staff of a licensed hospital, whether such diagnosis or treatment is rendered at the office of said physician or at said hospital.

The undersigned shall be liable and agree(s) to pay all costs and expenses incurred in connection with such medical and dental services rendered to the aforementioned child pursuant to this authorization. Should it be necessary for our (my) child to return home to do medical reasons or otherwise, the undersigned shall assume all transportation costs. The undersigned does also hereby give permission for our (my) child to ride in any vehicle designated by the adult in whose care the minor has been entrusted while attending and participating in activities sponsored by Saint Michael Lutheran Church.

We (I), the undersigned, for ourselves, our heirs, executors, and administrators, understand and agree that in consideration of the participation of my child in youth ministry events and activities, hereby agree to release discharge, and hold harmless Saint Michael Lutheran Church , its staff, officers, and agents, from all liability and loss (including court costs and attorney fees), resulting from any property damage, personal injury and bodily injury, including death, to my child, which is caused or claimed to be caused, in whole or in part, by the negligent acts or omissions of Saint Michael Lutheran Church, its staff, officers, and agents.

Consent is also given to the photographing of our (my) child and the recording of his/her voice and the use of these photographs and/or recordings singularly or in conjunction with other photographs and/or recordings for advertising, publicity, commercial or other business purposes. Further consent is given to the reproduction and/or authorization by Saint Michael Lutheran Church to reproduce and use said photographs and recordings of our (my) child’s voice, for use in all domestic and foreign markets. It is understood that the term “photograph” as used herein encompasses both still photographs and motion picture footage.

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