I substitute the word “lead” with the word “guide” based on what I read this morning.
“26One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of wicked leads them astray.” – Proverbs 12:26 (ESV)
“The way of the wicked” may only be subtle at the beginning and others may only see that which seems good. The whole picture is not revealed. The turmoil, adversity, and difficulty is disguised with the grandeur of wealth and power. It is not challenges arise that we are able to see the whole picture and we realize that the path taken as we followed was riddled with less than accurate information.
As Christians, we are tasked with being the example of Christ to all. We are to spread the gospel and bring the good news. We have accepted the gift of salvation and are willing to make sure others around us have the same opportunity to accept that gift that we did. That is where our guidance come into play.
Those around us need to “see” the good news in us. We should be talking about it and presenting it every chance we have. When presenting, we are showing what the Word of God is, has, and will do in our lives. We want to make sure and not give some inflated picture only to have that bubble burst with adversity allowed by God as a part of his plan to refine us.
Our example should be the guide to show our neighbors the path to our future glory, as we navigate through this world for which we are only passing through.
Are you providing the whole picture to those around you, or only showing them what we want them to see? Will you demonstrate God to your neighbors, all of what God is doing, rewards and challenges? Are you guiding with your example?
Trevor's Thoughts 