Year 5, Day 311: Proverbs 20

Theological Commentary: Click Here

Discipleship Focus: Competency

• Competency: Being able to accomplish what one is called to do.

I think that the idea of competency and righteousness often go together when we are talking about spiritual matters.  We are always called to live in righteousness.  We are always called to be holy.  God asks us to be different in this world.  God asks us to be a beacon to the world that highlights Him and His ways.  The question isn’t whether or not we are called.  The question is if we have the competency to do what we are asked.

When we read Proverbs 20 this idea really comes through strongly, especially in the opening verses.  Sluggards do not put in the time to do things the right way.  Anyone can talk about how great they are, but how many of us truly are as great in practice as we proclaim in reality?  How many of us use unequal means for measuring so that we can seek our own benefit?  Do not children – or all human beings – show their true character by what they do?

Acting righteously is truly one of mankind’s greatest dilemmas.  We know that we are called to live rightly.  We know we are called to live with a perspective that is not about getting an advantage for ourselves.  We are not to be self-centered in our focus.  But how often do we live up to that standard?  Are we really competent enough to live up to our calling?  This is a very important question for self-reflection.

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