What a loaded statement and one that does not provide much help in understanding. Well let’s take a look at Proverbs.
“25Let you eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. 26Ponder the path of your feet then all your ways will be sure. 27Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.” – Proverbs 4:25-27 (ESV)
In looking at these verses, I get a bit more clarity as to what it means to stay on the right path. It is up to me to start down the right path before I can stay on it. I have to find the point that I am striving to get to, as noted in verse 25 above. Then I have to “ponder” or “carefully consider” (CSB) every step I should be taking. And then finally I have to stay the course.
All of this starts with verse 25 as I wrote above. I have to know where it is I am looking to go. I have to have a destination and then in order to reach that destination I have to be sure a map things out for my journey. Jon Gordon writes in his book “Training Camp” about taking out the “telescope” to look into the distance at where it is we are looking to go. Have that far off vision of what it is we are working to accomplish.
After we have determined where it is we are looking to go, it is time to map out the route we are going to take to get there. It is important to take a critical look and plan accordingly to avoid missteps along the way. I have to take a close look at the path to achieve and then work to stay the course as there will be the firm and solid path to reach the goal God has for my life with Him.
And finally, I have to remember to stay the course as noted in verse 27. I have to stay straight toward the goal. There is evil and destruction on all sides of us. When I am following with discipline the path set out, I am more likely to avoid the significant challenges that will be presented. And that is the thing, more likely to avoid. I am going to be tempted to step off the path and it is that discipline that will keep me moving toward God.
Will there be times that sin will drag or knock me off the path I have set out to follow, of course. It is the discipline to follow the path that will aid in my avoiding the significant challenges and will lead me back to the path God has for me. I have to keep my eye through the telescope and know that I am working toward the vision that God has for me to achieve. I have to conscious of and working toward staying on the right path.
When you think about the path you are on, where are you focused? Are you looking to reach a particular goal, or just looking to move? What it you found and focused on staying on the right path that leads to and is for God?
Trevor's Thoughts 