Traveling East to West:
When we have the mind of Christ, we can be assured we already have the Victory in all things. We have God’s peace – Col 3:15. The end of a year can be a time of self reflection. Are we ending the year knowing we made a difference in the Kingdom? If our routine has been changed, are we prepared?
Why do we crave routines?
- They give us predictability – we know what we will do.
- They make us feel safe – it is something known.
- They make life simple – we know what to do and when to do it.
- They allow us to do more because we know with a routine how much time we have available.
The danger with a routine is becoming too complacent. If we memorize scripture or make time with God or His Word routine we will become lukewarm. We never want to be routine with God. We want to keep His Word alive in our hearts and keep ourselves stirred up to His calling. Having a relationship with God must be fresh and alive every day.
For all of my career I have driven East to all my jobs. It was very easy to drive the same route day after day. It became a routine for most of my work career. It was not until I took a new position that I pulled out of the driveway heading West and realized I had never driven West in my career. As I drove to work that first day, the scenery was completely different, the traffic flow was different. I had to pay attention to my drive and be purposeful in turning and getting off at exit ramps. Even though I had driven this way before on special trips, I had not driven in rush hour traffic or stopped for gas or lunch in this area. It was exciting to have something new to view each day. There were new places to run errands at lunch, new places to park, new people to meet. God was showing me an entirely new world in my career and because I was willing to step out, he was giving me new assignments and new adventures.
Spiritual growth is like a journey. You progress one step at a time. What matters it not how far we have to go, but that we are heading in the right direction and that we keep stirred up to keep going. When we are led by Holy Spirit we have peace as we step out in faith. It is our obedience and willingness that will allow God to use us.
Let’s look at the Magi, Kings, Wise Men who traveled from East to West:
Walk wisely
We have a part to play in responding to God’s call, staying on His paths, living wisely and thereby making something beautiful out of our lives. In this passage we see four areas directing us to walk wisely:
- What you think about:
You can choose what you think about. The life you lead will flow from your heart. ‘Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life’ (v.23). You are to fill your heart with good things – especially the words of God (vv.20–21). They bring ‘life’ and ‘health’ (v.22). Think about ‘things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy’ (Philippians 4:8). - What you say:
Your words are powerful. Use them carefully. ‘Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips’ (Proverbs 4:24). It is said that the words of the tongue should have three gatekeepers: ‘Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?’ - What you look at:
Guard your eyes. Be careful what you look at (especially in this age of TV and internet). ‘Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you’ (v.25). Jesus warned that if you look at the wrong things, your ‘whole body will be full of darkness’. But he also said, ‘If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light’ (Matthew 6:22–23). - Where you go:
You will avoid a lot of temptation if you are careful about where you go. ‘Make level paths for your feet… keep your foot from evil’ (Proverbs 4:26–27). The writer of Hebrews quotes from this verse. He urges us to ‘run with perseverance the race marked out’ for you with your eyes fixed ‘on Jesus… “Make level paths for your feet”’ (Hebrews 12:1–2,12).
Lord, put a watch over my tongue and a guard over my heart. Help me to walk wisely today.
We do not need to begin a new job to take a different route or do something different. Each day try something new. Purpose to keep stirred up to God’s calling and taking steps to walk in His calling on your life.
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