Pi day? Why would I say that? Well, for those that don’t know, the first 3 numbers of the neverending pi string are 3.14. Thus, this means that March 14th would be displayed 3-14. Many teachers (especially math teachers) celebrate the day by bringing Pies in for their students. It’s rather interesting too, that a pie just happens to be circular which fits the whole “pi” theme. I am taking a different approach however. Since this is Saturday, I won’t be seeing any of the kids or students I work with so I decided I would look at some different “3:14″ verses.
1 Kings
How about 1 Kings 3:14. “So if you walk in My ways, to keep My statutes and My commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.” We know this verse is talking about the king of Israel, but it also makes practical sense for us too. After all, if we keep the statues and commands of God, won’t we be healthy and better able to take on the challenges of our time? By following His commandments, we steer clear of sin which leads to a path of destruction. This verse is just simply saying that by following God, we avoid that path.
Proverbs
While talking about wisdom, Proverbs 3:14 says “For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, And her gain than fine gold.” The previous verse, Proverbs 3:13 says: “Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding;”. We know that true wisdom and knowledge comes from God. Proverbs 3:5-6 shows us this: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path.” When we acknowledge God as the ultimate source for wisdom and understanding, the benefits we receive are better than “silver….and fine gold”
1 John
You would think it would be easy to love people within the church. Sadly, it’s not always the case. I’ve experienced this in my own life. Yet, 1 John 3:14 warns: “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death.” This verse was one that convicted me during my struggles over the last half of 2008. This isn’t talking about people you meet on the street or those who do not know God. It’s talking about members of the church! And not just your church, the church in general. Those who are followers of Christ and call themselves Christian. I thought a long time on this verse and realize it’s broader implications. We have to love the brethren. Otherwise, why would the world want anything to do with Christianity if we can’t love eachother? Colossians 3:14 says: “But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.” So, if we learn to love eachother and others, we have put on the “bond of perfection”. That’s something we should all take to heart.
1 Peter
1 Peter 3:14 says: “But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” I’ve talked to many who said they have stopped believing because it’s to hard or that things didn’t get better. Perhaps that is because often times the church preaches a sugar coated, feel good message. The problem with this is when the going gets tough, the weak get going. They are misled into thinking that God is going to wave a magic wand and everything is going to be wonderful. But do we dare expect that here? It is true that we know that eternity will be wonderful and lovely and peaceful. But here on this earth, we have not right to expect such. If God did not spare Christ, the most perfect person to walk the earth, from suffering, how dare we expect Him to lift suffering from our own lives. That doesn’t mean we won’t have joy. After all, if you joy is in Christ, then you have the ultimate joy. Sufferings, while not pleasant, would not alter your joy in knowing that God is there and never changing. Just take the words of Ecclesiastes 3:14 which say: “I know that whatever God does, It shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, And nothing taken from it. God does it, that men should fear before Him.” Isn’t it nice to know that we have the power of God, who is there forever, behind us? It is comforting to me to know that “nothing can be taken from it”. God does not let the meddlings of the world take away from His plan whether that be His plan of salvation or His plan for your life.
I hope everyone has a blessed day and weekend.
