“But little do they know that the dead are there, that her guests are deep in the realm of the dead.”

I was in the pro shop of a private golf club the other day exchanging a gift. As I looked for something to swap it for, I overheard conversations from guys running in and out of the shop. Some came in because they needed golf balls; the others wanted something else for their round. Each had a brief, less-than-30-second conversation with the guy working behind the counter. It was only three or four interactions, but to a person, their conversations broke my heart. They thought what they said was cute or creative, but their comments were derogatory—about their wives or someone else—and littered with four-letter words. They were all in their 30s. I wondered what kind of job they had that allowed them not only to afford a membership but to be playing golf in the middle of the day. As I was preparing for today’s proverb, I came across these words of Solomon and realized—they just don’t know. They don’t know the beauty and joy offered in a relationship with their Savior. I don’t know if they have love for Christ that just didn’t show in that brief passing moment. I do hope that if they do, there would be a conviction to follow the words of Jesus about letting your light shine. There’s no judgment in today’s devotion—just observation and a little sadness. And perhaps a point of reflection. This chapter starts with an invitation to know God. Our lives should begin with the same invitation to everyone we meet, not just through our words but through how we live. Today, be life-giving in the midst of the dead, for we serve a God who excels at giving life to the dead. #BeTheEdge

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Jesus