The last chapter of Proverbs is attributed to Lemuel, a non-Israelite king who passes on teachings that his mother gave him. The first part teaches us about wise leadership and discipline. Lemuel’s mother reminds him to honour his responsibility of speaking up for those who cannot speak for themselves as well as defending the rights of the oppressed, destitute and needy by not investing in inebriation or sexual relationships that could make him forget about the vulnerable people he has been trusted with. By abstaining from something that would influence his availability to his calling negatively, he honours the task as leader and king that has been assigned to him. But not only kings have callings or responsibilities - everyone of us have them too. God calls us to be His children who are led by His Spirit (Romans 8:12-14), gifted members of His body (Romans 12:6-8), hands of love for our neighbours (John 15:12-17; Romans 12:13) and carers for His world (Genesis 2:15). So today I would like to challenge you today to think about the following questions:

Are you aware of the authority God entrusts you with?

Is there something that keeps distracting you from fulfilling God’s callings for your life? That keeps you from honouring your authority as His child, follower and carer for His world? What makes you neglect responsibility for your own behaviour, the people or things God has trusted you with?

Ask God what He wants to reveal to you today and if there is something that you should abstain from to help you honour His calling.

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Thank you, Lord, that you trust me with authority as your child. Thank you for the gifts, strengths and opportunities that you endow me with. Please reveal distractions or lies to me, that keep me from honouring your calling for my life or your unconditional love for me. Help me to change my thoughts and ways so that I can grow closer to you. Thank you for your patience with me and I pray that you will fill every void. In Jesus name, Amen.