Daily Jewel

by Pastor J.T. Carnell, McAlester, OK
Aug. 16, 2011

“Be a Living Ornament”
"Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching. They (our parent's teaching) will be a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck." – Proverbs 1:8, 9 (NIV)

Key Word, Garland: "A wreath of flowers."
As you have probably noticed after reading these messages I try to take the time and look for key words and meanings—a “behind the scenes” look at what God is trying to get across to us through His Word and His Wisdom. One of the elements I believe involved in this verse tells us that when we follow the [Godly] example of what our parents, and/or spiritual leaders give us, those principles and values are (as Solomon describes) an adornment that will grace our daily lives and benefit those around us. I read of a school in the inner city of Chicago. For years it had endured the carelessness of the students and those living in the surrounding area. The grounds were littered with garbage, broken bricks and glass. The building itself was laced with graffiti, rotting boards and broken windows. Inside was much the same; broken and graffiti-laced lockers. Classrooms looked like war zones. Many of the teachers were themselves “broken-in-spirit,” defeated and discouraged. Understandably, there was very little pride in the school or for the neighborhood itself. The School Board in an attempt to make one last effort appointed a new principle to that school, a woman known for helping to reform and restore order in her previous assignments. Several weeks before the start of the new school year she went to many of student’s homes—seeking to gather support of some of the students and have them help her in cleaning up the grounds. "It won't last," one of them said. "As soon as we clean it up the thugs will mess it up again." "We're not just going to clean it up." the principle responded. "We are going to give it new life and character." With her own money she bought plants, flowers, shrubs and had them planted over the school grounds. They cleaned up the broken glass, fixed the windows, sandblasted the graffiti and gave new life to the old school. What was even more incredible was how the entire neighborhood responded. Many of them watched what was taking place and one by one began to assist. Once finished with the school grounds many began to work on their own properties! They then set up a neighborhood watch. When the "thugs" attempted to deface the new school they were quickly met with heavy resistance. Along with the beauty of the new landscaping came a new pride – and with the pride came a new sense of purpose. Grades went up, crime and problems went down! When I think of “Garland” my thoughts immediately go to Christmas time. The silver or gold or red wrapping that is used to decorate the tree or the walls. It gives an added beauty to already beautiful time. And just as flowers and trees and shrubs give beauty to a yard, a life filled with Godly principles will be a beautiful thing in the sight of others as well as an encouragement. Are these things an "adornment" around you? The apostle Paul told us, "...set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." (Philippians 4:12) Adorn your life with God’s principles and we will be a living example to all around us!
Pastor J. T. Carnell