WHICH PATH SHALL WE TAKE?
Maps are valuable during road trips and such. Spiritually speaking, God’s Word is our road map, guiding us to the destinations of His will in our lives. In today’s world, situations change so fast that it becomes imperative to use His Word daily, hourly. His Word, inspired by the Holy Spirit, is sharper than a double-edged sword. Are we using it in our daily walk with Him?
Eternal Perspectives by Sally Bair
Converging paths
My husband and I took numerous trips to the northwest where we enjoyed walking up the mountains. Our black Lab, Pal, followed behind, carrying his own backpack. If he already knew the trail from past trips, he took the lead—until he came to a crossroads. Then he’d sit down and wait patiently for my husband’s command as to which way to proceed.
If only children were as wise as dogs in following directions! It would save many parents heartache and grief. Many kids have found themselves in trouble because they swam outside the safety zone, sneaked out of the house to attend a forbidden party, or drove too fast.
All of us, not only children, need to be alert and wise regarding the choices we make each day. One wrong step can set us on the wrong path. One wrong show watched on TV can start the habit of filling our minds with immoral or violent pictures. One wrong visit to a place of questionable morality can become a lifestyle of crime. Even the socially accepted habit of overeating or making wrong food choices can have dire consequences.
A certain man of the Bible took the wrong path, and his journey began with a simple remark. Judas Iscariot was critical of Mary for spending so much money on the perfume she used in bathing Jesus’ feet. In reality, he wanted the money for himself. Judas’ life was a perfect example of how one sin can add to another, from greed to thievery, to unbelief, to lying. His sins eventually lay at his feet in a heap. One little sin can become the entryway for Satan, who wants to control all that we say and do.
The wisdom found in God’s Word helps us make the right choices. The book of Proverbs addresses the subject of Wisdom at length. “Does not wisdom cry out, and understanding lift up her voice? She takes her stand on the top of the high hill, beside the way, where the paths meet.” (Proverbs 8:1-2)
When we find ourselves where the paths meet in life, we can seek wisdom from God. Like our dog Pal, we need to sit down and wait patiently for His direction. In finding it and following it, we will avoid the danger of the devil’s control in our lives.
Lord, as we seek the wisdom of Your Word, may it become alive in our hearts. Cause us to be totally focused on Your perfect, fulfilling path in all that we think, do, and say. Help us remember that Your Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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