Ancient Words For Today - 41
King David, referring to the Lord, said: "He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name sake." Psalm 23:3
Living in Florida we have seen many types of paths, ranging from multi-lane interstate freeways, winding country roads, unpaved sand roads and simple trails leading through the woods or to the beach. The purpose of these paths is to provide obstacle-free routes that lead the traveler to their destination.
There are many pathways that a person could choose to follow. But only God has laid out for us the pathway that leads us to Himself, the way of righteousness, and everlasting life. By contrast, the enemy, Satan, has been busy laying out attractive looking roads, along with eye-catching road signs to lure the unsuspecting or rebellious traveler on pathways where there are many road hazards and that are dead-ends which lead to death and eternal separation from God.
The Bible has much to say about pathways, both the good ones and bad ones, and instructs us to start on and continue walking on the pathway God has made to lead us home. Consider the following scriptures:
There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. Proverbs 14:12 and 16:25
Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Matthew 7:13-16
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:1-6
Considering the importance of these scriptures, it is crucial that we each make a personal assessment of whether we are on the right path. Then, we should quickly make any course corrections necessary to get on, return to, or continue along the paths of righteousness.
When we walk with Jesus in the ways of righteousness, we bring glory and honor to God who has set us on the right path. Our lips bring praise to His name because of His mercy and grace by which He has forgiven us and accounted to us His righteousness, through our faith in Jesus Christ, our savior.
God bless you as you walk along the paths of righteousness with Him!