Keep on Walking

Source: Lydia Cutrer

If you take a trip to the zoo, you’re usually on a well-paved walking path with signs pointing to the animal exhibits, exits, restrooms, and others that warn you like “do not feed the animals”.  Most of us know not to deviate because although the animals may be confined, there’s still a risk if we don’t follow instructions.

I think being a follower of Christ can feel like walking through an experience that offers goodness and enjoyment but our free will can cause us to fall off that that path if we’re not careful.  When you make a commitment to live a life like Christ, it won’t be an overnight success.  Initially, the temptations in the area(s) where you struggle will most likely multiply and you’re going to make mistakes and backslide.  It may feel like a dare to see how serious you really are.  But I’m here to implore and encourage you, Please stay on the path.

Because as you prove that your heart is really in it and you seek God and want to please Him, those temptations will start to subside.  You might make the same mistake again down the road, but don’t beat yourself up.  Ask for forgiveness and strength, and get back to walking.  Over time, you’ll also probably notice that the things you use to obsess over or yearn will fall back.  Plus, God will put people and opportunities along the path to help you conquer.

And you may be moved to other areas which will present new challenges. Just when you thought you had it all under control, here comes something else.  But you know what that represents?  Growth.  Just like you plateau when you do the same physical exercise for too long, you have to be challenged in various areas of spiritual maturity to be “perfect and complete”, though you may not appreciate it immediately.

And even though you may not see clearly what’s coming along or at the end of the path, you’ll begin to feel more that God knows what He’s doing in your life.  Novel idea, isn’t it?!  But yes, God who created us in His own image, who sent His Son to atone for our sins, who gave the Holy Spirit to live in us, knows what He is doing and wants the best for us and from us.

Staying off the path might not always feel dangerous either.  Just because something bad hasn’t happened to you doesn’t mean it’s safe to take an exit or idle at a rest stop.  You might be comfortable but that’s really complacency.  You might be maintaining but that’s really mediocrity.   The longer you linger, the less likely you’ll be working to please the Lord and the more opportunities will arise for you to be attacked because you’re no longer moving and within the boundaries God wants you to be in.  Don’t spend another moment not actively seeking to live up to the potential God has for your life.

I think sometimes we need to have tunnel vision with a singular, solitary focus on God.  There are too many roadside attractions, too many off-ramps, and too much stuff to take our attention away.  We have so many examples of faith and commitment to the Lord and instructions from God, so why do we waste time going the wrong way?  Unlike a new business idea, being a follower of Christ is not unchartered territory.  Jesus is the way, God’s word lights our path, so there’s no need to veer off the road and see what else is out there.

Now, of course I’m writing this for myself as much as for anyone who might be reading.  Because, right now, I feel the path ahead is slightly foggy.  I definitely see ways God wants me to serve Him and live out the fruit of the Spirit daily, but other areas of my life are not so clear.  But when I look back down the road and remember the things I went through, some that could have been avoided if I hadn’t strayed, and the emotions I used to feel, I’m grateful for how far He’s led me.  So, I will continue to pray for His guidance to the vision He has for my life.

You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. -Psalm 16:11

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