WHICH PATH ARE YOU FOLLOWING?

The choices are limitless. Sometimes the easiest path we take ends up being the hardest, stealing our health and welfare, both physically and spiritually. God would have us choose His path of righteousness, peace, and joy. The going may not be easy but the rewards far surpass those of any other path, even those that may seem best.

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 crossroad. 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 while drinking.

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 to1ying. 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 on our Lord for His direction. In finding it and following it, we will avoid the danger of the devil’s control in our lives.

Lord, we seek the wisdom of Your Word and Your voice today. Help us avoid sin by choosing the right path in all that we think, do, and say. In Jesus’ name, amen.