Proverbs 2:9. Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path;
If we are going to be wise, if we are going to have skill in navigating the complexities of life, then one of the most important lessons we must learn is the path principle.
The path principle?
That’s right. The path principle teaches us that each of us is always on a path, a path that leads to somewhere or something. In every area of your life you are travelling on a path that has a destination. In your work, in your family, in your spiritual life, you ARE headed somewhere.
Right now, today, you are headed toward love or headed toward fear. You are headed toward integrity or toward being complacent. You are headed toward striving to work out your salvation in fear and trembling or striving to earn your salvation in self-righteousness. You are headed toward submitting to others as unto Christ or seeking your own agenda and ambition. Most importantly, you are headed toward a deeper trust in God or a shallow trust in your circumstances.
The good news is that we don’t ever have to stay on a bad path. We can change paths. We can repent and turn around. That’s wisdom, understanding every good path.
Even better is that Jesus, our living embodiment of God’s wisdom, IS our path. “I am the way…no one comes to the Father except through me,” he said. Jesus didn’t simply point to wisdom’s good path and say “Stay on that path,” like Solomon does in Proverbs. He IS wisdom’s path. He knows that changing paths for us is way too difficult. Impossible even. So Christ says trust in me, receive my life, and I will BE your path. A narrow path that you will never leave because Christ will never leave it, and he will never leave you behind.
You: Can you identify any bad paths that you are currently travelling on?Habits? Behaviors? Ruts? Are you on a path of pride, self-reliance?
You in Christ: If you are in Christ then you are on the good path because you are joined to Wisdom himself. He will get keep your feet from stumbling. He will get you safely home. He will guide your steps in the way of his life. How does trusting this union with Christ’s path allow you to choose his path in your daily life?
Christ in you: Is there a change of direction that the Christ in you is asking you to make today? How can faith in the love of God allow you to boldly course correct?
Pray: Jesus, you are my path to God. Apart from my union with you I would never be able to find my way to God or godliness. Guide me today. Amen.
To Live is Christ 