Keep to the path…
How is your daily exercise routine going during lockdown? In the absence of being able to go to the gym, swim, play golf, tennis and other sports many have taken up a routine of walking. Blessed with living in the countryside we have discovered some nearby lanes and pathways that we had never been on before. Sometimes we have gone to a nearby park and in one we encountered some signs giving directions, “keep to the path” and “pass other walkers on the left”, “keep your distance” - all good rules and guidance to keep us safe during this pandemic.
It set me thinking about the Christian pathway and the instruction and signposts the Bible gives to keep us on the way that leads to heaven.
In Proverbs 4 we encounter two paths, the path of the wicked that we are instructed to avoid and to turn away from, and a picture of the Christian life described as the path of the righteous (v.18). As we read on through the chapter we are given wise advice to help keep us on the path ‘until full day’. It’s a life long walk, from the dawn of conversion to life’s sunset.
Here are a few simple guidelines to help us on our daily Christian walk that we find in Proverbs 4.
Listen: incline your ear to the instruction from God’s Word. The Bible is our sure guide to heaven, a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. (Psalm 119:105). On life’s pathway we face many temptations and much spiritual warfare. God has given us his word, the sword of the Spirit in the daily battle against the forces of evil.
Guard your heart: the heart has been described as the citadel of man, out of it are the issues of life. Who can ascend the hill of the Lord? He who has clean hands and a pure heart. How are we to keep our hearts pure? By living according to God’s Word (Psalm 119:9).
“Mind the path before thee, look right before thee, turn neither to the right hand nor to the left, but let thine eyes look right on, even right before thee”
Mind your language: our speech is to be wholesome, truthful and seasoned with salt. James warns us that an uncontrolled tongue is like a fire that rages out of control. Our words ought to reflect something of God’s character in whose image we are made (James 3:9). The Apostle Paul gives clear instructions, ‘Let there be no filthiness or foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving’ (Ephesians 5:4).
Look straight ahead: there are many distractions that can cause us to stray from the path, keep your eyes on the destination. Keep going, persevere. As John Bunyan wrote “mind the path before thee, look right before thee, turn neither to the right hand nor to the left, but let thine eyes look right on, even right before thee”.
It’s easy to get off the path, the attractions of the world can cause spiritual shipwreck, Paul tells us of Demas who had deserted him, having loved this present world. Keeping our distance and sitting loose to the things of the world is vital for healthy Christian living.
Watch your steps: Difficulties along the way are part of life’s journey for every step we take; watch out for the snare of Bypath Meadow! When the road becomes rough its tempting to look for another easier path. There are no short cuts on the path that leads to life eternal.
Christian in Pilgrim’s Progress discovers a path that looks better rather than following the path that is marked out by God's Word. Hopeful sees the potential danger and asks: "But how if this path should lead us out of the way?" Christian, however, persuades him that the path is safe. They cross over the stile and for a time their journey is easier. They even encounter a traveller on the path who assures them that he also is on the way to the Celestial City. This fellow traveller’s name is Vain-Confidence but soon Christian and Hopeful lose sight of him and find themselves lost in the darkness. The lesson is quite simple, the importance of keeping to the correct path means we follow the instructions.
Bodily training is of some value and it’s good to get out and exercise the body and mind but how much more important it is to ‘train ourselves for godliness, as it is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come’ (1 Timothy 4:8).
As we journey through these unusual days may we receive renewed strength and energy and know the blessing of God and the joy of the Lord.
How happy those who have in you the strength they need
and in whose hearts are Zion’s pathways found (Psalm 84)
