Scripture:
Every new house you build must have a barrier around the edge of its flat rooftop. That way you will not bring the guilt of bloodshed on your household if someone falls from the roof. Deuteronomy 22:8
Observation:
The Law instructs people to be careful and diligent to protect others. In ancient times, houses were build with flat rooftops and people use them for different activities. Having a parapet around the edge worked as a guardrail in a deck. It would protect people from falling from the roof. The Law insisted to have those barriers built in each new house. In case of an accident, negligence in having this guardrail would have result in the household to be guilty of bloodshed.
Application:
As we build our lives and our ministries we need to be careful and diligent to protect others around us. We cannot get caught in the excitement of having a “new house” without completing the “guardrails” that will prevent accidents. We are responsible for friendly fire casualties when we neglect to protect people. As good and faithful stewards, we must make sure that we don’t have loose ends in our dealings, that we don’t give room for miscommunication, and that we develop an eye for unattended places where people can fall. Besides being a hassle, building guardrails takes extra time and money. But once it’s done, it will provide the protection God wants us to have for others.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, please forgive me for the bloodshed I have spilled in the past because my negligence in protecting others. Please give me eyes to build guardrails as I build my life and ministry. Let me be a blessing, not a burden. Grant me discernment to tie loose ends, to communicate clearly, and to keep people from falling. If the fall, it will be because their recklessness, not because of my negligence. Let me have a heart like yours. Amen.
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