When I was walking around the outskirts of our neighborhood, the sidewalk led me behind a house with a fenceless backyard containing a large black dog. He ran quickly to the edge of what I assume was an invisible fence. He continued to find me intriguing as I journeyed by, acting like I was a threat to his existence or, at the very least, something fun to chew on! I have been attacked by dogs before. In fact, once a dog in my neighborhood (whom I nicknamed Cujo) charged me and drew blood on my shin. When I went to tell his owner, he charged me again, and the scene ended with my falling to the ground, then running with him chasing at my heels! Beware of Yorkies!
However, when I’m around dogs, I usually find myself cautious without being too fearful. Today was no different, even though that animal could have easily made a meal out of me. I looked straight ahead and stayed on my path and, thankfully, he stayed behind his magical line.
As I continued walking, I realized the spiritual application to this scene. Scripture uses language that warns us to pursue a path of righteousness and obedience to the Lord. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil (Proverbs 4:27). There is a path to tread that God has illumined for His children.
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path (Psalm 119:105). The Word teaches us how to honor Him with our lives. Scripture may not instruct us whom to marry or what color to paint the living room, but it states thoroughly how to walk in faith and how to live in pursuit of Christ.
That dog was probably thirty feet from me. The enemy seems much closer. I have this path laid out before me, and if I stray from it, he is ready to pounce and chew me up. The Christian life really is this simple. There is rich blessing for God’s children when we choose obedience. Keeping our eyes on Him and our feet aimed at His truth keeps us in a close relationship with our heavenly Father. Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord (Psalm 119:1).
There is continual love and mercy available to those belonging to Christ Jesus. The steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him . . . (Psalm 103:17).
Do I fear Him with reverence? Do I long for Him more than temptations to the right or the left? Am I cautious to stay on the path, moving forward without fear because I trust the hand that guides me?
There are scars on my earthly body from the times I have fallen into the thistles alongside the path. I’d even say the enemy has tasted my shin and drawn my blood. But praise be to my God, Who has saved me through the loving sacrificial act of His Son! I choose Him above all else. I choose the path of safety.
Liked this post? Follow this blog to get more.