The Crack in the Floor

Keep your heart with all diligence,

For out of it spring the issues of life.

Put away from you a deceitful mouth,

And put perverse lips far from you.

Let your eyes look straight ahead,

And your eyelids look right before you.

Ponder the path of your feet,

And let all your ways be established.

Do not turn to the right or the left;

Remove your foot from evil.

Proverbs 4:23-27

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When our children became mobile tots we set up boundaries for them in regards to off-limit areas in our home. A certain boundary was between the kitchen and dining room, a crack in the parquet floor making a convenient marker. One of our children would toddle up to that crack and line her toes up perfectly – going right to the edge. Occasionally she would pop the tip of a big toe over, giving us a “whatcha gonna do about that?” look. Well, every time we did do something and eventually she learned that sticking her piggy even a little bit over the line really did matter.
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Just as the crack in our floor served as a safety boundary for our children, the Lord has cracks in the floor for His children. In Deuteronomy 30 the Lord gives the Israelites two choices: serve Him and receive blessing or turn away and receive death. His direction was straightforward and to the point. “For this commandment which I command you today is not too mysterious for you, nor is it far off…” (vs. 11) …” But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may do it.” (vs. 14) Translation: “You have My Word. You have My instructions. Do it."
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True Christ followers need to take note of the crack in the floor. The Lord has given us very clear directions on how to live – relationships, modesty, speech, parenting, church, thought life, sexual intimacy, gossip, leadership, government, education, marriage, even books, magazines, movies, TV and music, etc. in His Word. Everything is covered.

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There is no excuse for crossing over the crack into dangerous territory. In regards to obeying the Lord - there is no need to pray about it or seek the Lord on it because He has already given us the Word with detailed instructions. Deuteronomy 30:12-14: “It is not in heaven, that you should say, ‘Who will ascend into heaven for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ Nor is it beyond the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will go over the sea for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may do it.”

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I encourage you to respect the crack in the floor.

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Prayer:
Father, thank You for the Word that is very near to me. Thank You that the Word gives me everything pertaining to life and godliness and there is no reason for me to be confused or conflicted about doing the right thing. Please help me to choose to serve You and do the right thing even when my flesh wants to turn aside and cross the line. Amen

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Challenge:

Respecting the crack in the floor is a freeing thing! Clear your mind of the notion that following the guidelines in Scripture is somehow constraining. Find the freedom that comes from a pure heart that listens closely and follows the instruction of the Lord. Be watchful also of times when you are tempted to bend the instructions of God to fit your desires. (Think movies, language, thoughts, dress…)

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Jen 2010