Signs

​As I was driving down to Tampa for work to see a client, I missed the exit sign where I was supposed to get off at. I was not paying attention to the signs and had to drive out of my way to find a place to turn around. I remember thinking this is crazy and I was so upset with myself for not following the signs or paying attention. By not following the signs or paying attention, I had to go 20 miles out of my way and ended up being late for my meeting. Another time I was driving and not paying attention to the speed limit sign and yep you guessed it, I was pulled over for speeding. Thirty minutes and $200 later I was on my way to my destination and it cost me time and money. I remember telling the cop when I got pulled over that I didn’t see the speed limit sign and it needed to be placed where it could be seen. He looked at me like I was crazy and said it’s where everyone else can see it. I rode back by that sign the next day and yep there was the speed limit sign clear as day and where everyone can see it. 
 
So, think about the signs God puts in front of us that we don’t pay attention to. By us not paying attention to Him, what has it cost us? Did it cost you a job, a meeting, or a relationship because we were so focused on our own needs and wants. How many times has God placed a sign in our life to direct us but we missed because we are focused on our own desires and wants? 
 
As I read Proverbs 13:13 “He who despises the word will be destroyed, but he who fears the commandments will be rewarded.”  The word contains thorough instructions which, if followed, lead to fulfillment, righteousness, and salvation. But, if we choose to ignore God, the results are as predictable as they are tragic. Just as me not follow the speed limit it cost me money and time. A righteous life as many components: faith, honesty, generosity, love, kindness, humility, gratitude, and worship, to name but a few. If we seek to follow the steps of our Savior, Jesus Christ, we must seek to live according to His will. Let’s us follow his signs and leadership. This way we can live our lives as examples.