Proverbs 1:15. my son, do not walk in the way with [sinners]; hold back your foot from their paths,
The path principle is one of the most important truths we can learn in this life. If you really want to be wise, if you really want skill in navigating life, then you must understand this: Everyone is on a path. Everyone is headed to a destination. Every choice we make moves us a step closer to that end destination. And, according to Proverbs (and the whole Bible), there are only two paths with only two destinations: righteousness or unrighteousness. Or, more dramatically, life or death.
Sadly, most of us see our choices only in isolation. We can’t see how they are all connected as a series of small steps in a particular direction. We rationalize our sinful thoughts, attitudes, and deeds as occurring separate from any kind of habit or formative pattern. I’m just having a bad day. It won’t happen again. I can control it. I won’t let it go too far. I’ll stop and turn things around when I get older.
Nope. You’re on a path. And that path has an ending place. What is it? Do you even know?
Proverbs 1:15 appears to be a summary of Psalm 1. Blessed is the man who does NOT walk (path) in the counsel of the wicked, the sinners, or the scoffers…but his delight is in the law of the Lord. The blessed man is a like a tree rooted by a river of life. But the wicked man is like chaff that blows in the breeze. The path of the righteous prospers. The path of the wicked perishes. Psalm 1 envisions two very different people on two very different paths.
Just who are those two people? They are Jesus and everyone else. Only Jesus, THE Son, THE Blessed Man never walked with sinners. Only Jesus stayed off the path of wickedness. And yet Jesus willingly walked the path of destruction, being crucified with sinners and scoffers. All for us. He walked the path of the wicked all the way to the cross, so that he might become our path of righteousness. As Jesus would say to his disciples, “I am the way.” Or, I am the path. Not, “I found the way.” Or, “I’ll show you the way.” He said, “I AM the way.”
There’s only one way to be on the right path – union with Christ. Being IN him. How? Through faith in him. Jesus Christ alone is our way to wisdom and away from foolishness. Christian, take heart in knowing that you are on the right path, the way of Christ, because the Christ in you is the way. Yes, we try to take detours and short cuts, don’t we? But Jesus will keep you from stumbling. He will guide you all the way home. He will finish the work in you. Of that you can be sure.
You: Can you identify your paths? Relational paths? Emotional paths? Spiritual paths?
You in Christ: In Christ you are on a path that he will never let you leave completely. How does this assurance bring you peace and joy?
Christ in you: Who are you walking the path of life alongside? Sinners? The wise? How can you cultivate spiritual friendships that keep you focused on Christ?
Prayer: Father, you have placed me and kept me on the path of life through your son, Jesus. Keep me always moving forward in your mercy and kindness. Amen.
To Live is Christ 