Casandra Martin

“My son, keep your father’s commandment, and forsake not your mother’s teaching. Bind them on your heart always; tie them around your neck. When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk with you. For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life.” – Proverbs 6:20-23

My husband and I decided to take this passage literally. When each of our children was getting ready to enter high school, we went out for a special teen-parent date. We opened up our Bibles and talked about this scripture. We emphasized the importance of following godly wisdom, aligning themselves with God’s purpose, and the many decisions about looking like Jesus they were going to face in high school. We prayed and encouraged them to bind them on their hearts. Then we took them to the jewelry store. We let them pick out something that they could tie around their neck that would be a reminder of their commitment to Christ. We pray that this tangible reminder will help them as they make choices to walk in God’s ways.

I want to encourage you to do the same thing. Put a tangible reminder somewhere in your house, in your purse, on the refrigerator, or even around your neck that will pull your thoughts towards God. Invest yourself in His wisdom. Watch for the light He shines across your path. Prepare your heart for wonder. Surrender to transformation. Commit to walking in His steps.

My Jesus Resolution is to bind His teachings to my heart. I never want to walk outside of His wisdom. I long for His words to guide my choices, shape my attitude, align my priorities, and focus my vision. In order for His words to have power in my life, I have to give them access to every part of who I am. I have to let them in and let them transform me. Today, I am going to find a way to tie a reminder to walk in His ways around my neck and let it point me to Jesus.