“The words of the wise are like goads, and like nails firmly fixed are the collected sayings; they are given by one Shepherd. My son, beware of anything beyond these.”—Ecclesiastes 12:11–12 ESV

Left to their own devices, oxen often wander in the wrong direction. One time-honored way of keeping them on track was through a goad. These sharp-pointed sticks get their attention and help them move in the right direction. The Bible uses the goad as a picture of the way God works in our lives. There are times when we want to go our own way or drift in the wrong direction. We sometimes draw wrong conclusions or think wrong thoughts. These are times when we might need a goad. The Bible says that the words of the wise are like goads. They can get our attention and point us in the right direction. God often acts like a goad in our lives. He can act to spur us on and provide correction, so we look at life in new ways and correct our mistakes. God gave us His Word because He wants us to understand His principles and experience the fullness of His blessings. He wants us to think His thoughts, be filled with His Spirit, have discernment, grow in our faith, and become more like Jesus. This can mean changing in some ways, so we are alert to deceptive ideas that can tempt and mislead us. If you feel stretched or challenged, God may be goading you. Let Him speak to you to be sure you are on the right path.

Reflection Question: Have you felt God prodding you in a different direction lately?

“Sow your seed in the morning and do not be idle in the evening, for you do not know whether one or the other will succeed, or whether both of them alike will be good.”—Ecclesiastes 11:6 NASB

How does a person become a world-class musician? Natural abilities are important, but many with ability fail to live up to their potential. Over and over, great musicians testify to the impact of the investment of time to practice. Ignacy Jan Paderewski, the great Polish pianist and statesman, once declared that “the very essence of success is practice.” Investing time is not optional for those wanting to be great. Describing his opportunity to be music director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Sir Georg Solti recalled how he was challenged by the professionalism demonstrated by this orchestra. The players set a standard that caused him to always be prepared, ready, and excellent. This commitment to excellence helps separate the extraordinary from the ordinary. This is expressed in the principle of seedtime and harvest (Genesis 8:22); God rewards those who faithfully invest the time and resources they have been given. Realize that blessings flow when we plant seeds we have been given and when we invest in His Kingdom and the lives of others. This is a commitment that is repeated continually by those who are not content with the ordinary and want to achieve excellence. Ask yourself what you are doing with the resources God has given you. Are you content with the ordinary or looking to receive the abundant harvest God has prepared? Commit to sowing. Always invest your time and resources.

Reflection Question: How are you using the resources and talents that God has given you?