Autopilot Antidote

(Proverbs 23:12 KJV)  Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.

Why have I been posting a daily blog on Proverbs for about six years?  It is a question I ask myself on occasion.  The answer I keep skewing toward is ego.  There is a part of me that thinks I have something worth reading.  It doesn’t take much reflection to realize that isn’t enough to keep this going.  The reason it has kept going on a daily basis is the need to “apply” (935) my “heart” (3820) to “instruction” (discipline NASB) (4148).

It is an easy thing to read a chapter of Proverbs and realize that you don’t remember a thing you have seen.  It is like driving a long distance.  Every once in awhile you realize that you can’t remember paying attention to what you were doing.  Maybe I am the only one who goes on autopilot, but I don’t think so.  We can do the same thing when having personal worship.  Ritual replaces engagement. 

So?  I am forcing myself to engage the word on a daily basis.  Years ago when I was preaching and teaching Sunday School regularly I would say I wished everyone had to do it because it forces you to grapple with the truths God wants to convey.  Blogging helps me with that.  This verse reminds me of my motive.