Are you a "house" or a "tent?"


Proverbs 14:11--What's the difference between a house and a tent? Permanence.

Normally, permanence would be a good thing, right? It can denote stability, safety, security. There are even other passages that speak of building on a firm foundation.

However, in this particular passage, it seems that the house of the wicked is a different type of permanence--stubbornness, isolation, a carnal type of self-reliance.

Whereas a tent is mobile, vulnerable, and flexible. 

Interesting. Isn't that how our hearts should be toward GOD?

Sometimes I want to "build a house" in a place GOD only wants me to stay for a short time. The place may be a learning time before He moves me on to where that lesson will be put to use. If I "stay," I will miss out on all that is before me.

A friend calls this "holding lightly, rather than tightly."

When we hold too tightly to what we think we're to do out of fear, or pride, or complacency, we become inflexible.

I have trouble with that. When it's time to move on, I don't always want to leave the "house." It's one of the weaknesses to my strength as someone who has the stick-to-it-ness it takes to manage large projects.

When I feel that tug-of-war with those around me, or events and challenges that stall and complicate what I'm trying to do, I've learned to lessen my grip. Then, seek the LORD to see if I'm battling the enemy or GOD's redirection.

I need to stay in my tent, ready to move when GOD says it's time.

May our hearts be vulnerable, flexible, and ready to move for GOD, my friends.

Proverbs 14:11--The house of the wicked will be demolished,
but the tent of the upright will flourish. Tree of Life Bible Society Tree of Life Version - TLV #tlvbible #tlvproverbs

[WATCH Tree of Life Bible Society's CEO, Daniah Greenberg and me, Terri Gillespie dig a little deeper with this proverb. Check us out at Tree of Life Bible Society, Monday through Friday, LIVE at 8:30am EST. Watch previous episodes there as well. Stay wise, my friends!]

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