Our Own Way

There are many paths we can take and we get to choose. We can take a well worn path, a little used one, or even blaze a new one. Whatever seems right in our own eyes is usually the path we take.

So it's not only the path we get to choose, but also the criteria by which we choose. Do we use what "feels" right, what is accepted by the greater society, what is morally correct, what is traditionally right, what our faith community teaches? And then the But then delve even further into the mucky gray area since there seems to be many "right" anwers and conflicting criteria. Even the moral absolutes are not so absolute any more.

So how do we choose what path to take or do we just "trust our gut" and go our own way?

That's exactly where the tribes of Israel went wrong! They tested God's way, then tested their own. For half a generation or so, it seemed to work for them, but then the wheels came off. Disobedience always brings discipline, maybe not immediately, but it still comes. Moral failures will always catch up with us. God is watching and hoping, guiding and waiting for us to fully return.

It's not about the path anyway. Rather it's about the purpose, getting to God, living for God, trusting in God, obeying God, relating to God. If this then is the purpose then we'll find the path and there is only One, Jesus.

It's why our own way leads to lostness. We can't find Jesus or God on a path we blaze on our own, even though it's been traveled before and developed, paved, and lined with highway oases. Because the true path that leads to God is challenging, sacrificial, narrow, adventurous. It's this path that ignites the senses and empowers the life.

It's not our own way where we'll find life. It's only truly found on God's way.

So, let's keep on track.

Peace ><>
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