Proverbs 10:9
People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will slip and fall.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
In the beautiful Arkansas Ozarks where we live, there are dozens of hiking trails, scenic vistas, and breathtaking landscapes. And the only way to enjoy many of them involves a hike! In the immediate area surrounding my community, there are at least three designated hiking areas that lead to some incredible scenery… much of it along bluffs and steep trails. As long as you stay on the designated - and well-worn - pathways, you should have no problem. But more than one person has decided to make his/her own way… and more than a few accidents have resulted.
At one particular landmark, there is a crevice in a steep rock formation commonly known as “Fat Man’s Squeeze.” The rocks have been worn slick by the thousands of climbers who have traversed them over time. Still, this is the recognized path to the top of “Sugarloaf Mountain.” But there will be those who decide to find another route to the top. This may be the result of arrogance, a sense of daring and adventure, or ignorance. But more than one person has fallen… there have been broken bones, and no doubt more than few bumps, scrapes and/or harrowing experiences.
I grew up visiting many of these local landmarks. People who were older and wiser than I showed me the safest paths to take… and how to navigate them successfully. As I visit these places now, I often wonder how those unfamiliar with this area manage to visit safely. Who shows them the ropes? Who tells them which crevice is “Fat Man’s Squeeze” (because there is more than one crevice!) and who reminds them to stay on the worn footpaths to avoid slipping and sliding? How do they know that there are potential dangers and pitfalls along the less-worn trails that lead to nowhere?
In our daily living, we need the same sort of guidance. There are designated pathways… but there are also potential dangers and pitfalls. Who shows us the ropes? And who will show others? Are we people of integrity who walk safely… or are we on crooked paths that leave us subject to a fall? Are we paying attention to the signs and operating in honesty, morality and faithfulness? Are we treating others as we would like to be treated? Are we setting the best example possible in our daily living? Or are we on a collision course with disaster… wandering willy-nilly through life doing as we please and hoping for the best?
God put these beautiful vistas and scenic landmarks in our midst for us to enjoy…just as He wants us to enjoy our life in general. But He also gave us clear pathways to follow… a moral compass… Biblical guidelines and Jesus’ example of how to conduct our lives and walk safely. It is up to us to pay attention and stay on course. How are you doing? Are you safely walking on the path to integrity… or are you headed up a crooked trail toward destruction? Now is the time to turn around… to alter your course and get back on track. Don’t risk your neck – physically, emotionally, or spiritually – for a thrill, a whim, or an attempt to exercise your independence! Stay on the pathway…walk safely in all matters… and see what amazing vistas God shows you!
©2013 Debbie Robus
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