I never really thought there would be a day where I would write a letter to a good friend in prison. But if I’ve learned anything in my life it’s that things don’t always go according to plan, both good and bad.

A couple weeks ago I found out that a friend, who’s family we are very close with, was in the county jail. Anybody who knows the guy was completely blindsided by it. His family is a solid Christian family, he’s one of the most likable guys you will ever meet, and it’s something you never think would happen to someone you know. But he made some really bad, really illegal decisions, and this is what happens.

If you’ve never written a letter to prison, let me tell you, it’s a strange thing. I mean how do you start? What do you say?

“Sorry you’re in the clink?”

“How could you be such an idiot?”

So I started with a prayer. And I ended with a prayer. And in between I hopefully encouraged him. I hope he doesn’t feel any more guilt or shame than he needs to.

The amazing thing is his response. He knows what he did was wrong, and he knows he has to pay for it. But beyond all that, he knows that God wanted to get his attention before he found himself dead. And God wants to use him to reach the guys around him.

It reminds me of the consistent call of the Proverbs:

“He who is steadfast in righteousness will attain to life, And he who pursues evil will bring about his own death.”

“There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.”

“The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, That one may avoid the snares of death.”

There are so many traps we can fall into. Our “logic” can become so easily skewed. We are quick to justify our actions. But in the end, if we’re not on the path that God has laid out, it all leads to death.

“For he who finds me finds life And obtains favor from the LORD.”

“The fear of the LORD prolongs life, But the years of the wicked will be shortened.”

“In the way of righteousness is life, And in its pathway there is no death.”

Sure, we’re not all doing things that will land us in jail, but as another friend put it, “His actions were illegal, mine are just immoral.” Legality isn’t the real issue, our acts are more like white-washed tombs. They look good on the outside, but inside is death and decay.

It’s a good reminder of how easily we can stray from the path. I don’t want to do things illegal nor immoral. Oftentimes the immoral acts that go uncovered are the ones that will destroy a man, a family, and a community. In the end it all leads to death. I’m thankful for those around me that remind me of the path that leads to true life.

How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel the wicked,
Nor stand in the path of sinners,
Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!
But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water,
Which yields its fruit in its season
And its leaf does not wither;
And in whatever he does, he prospers.

We’re praying for you, brother. May the Lord do His will in you!