The word tells us that the path to salvation and the Kingdom of God is a narrow one, and many are they that fail to find it. But for those few who learn to navigate the road to holiness great rewards await them.
Paul says that we are in a race. 1Co 9:24-27 “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And every man that striveth in the games exerciseth self-control in all things. Now they [do it] to receive a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. Therefore, I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus, I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.
The race track that we are on has no boundaries, no limits. For we are not under the law but under grace. We can take any path we choose, any direction we want, however there is only one direction which is certain to ensure that we finish the race. Therefore, we must understand which direction to run which will bring us to the finish line, but not only get us there, get us there the quickest.
Many people start the race but fail to look at the map. They end up spinning their wheels going in circles, because they have no vision. These people will never be very effective in the kingdom, because they spend all their time simply trying to find their way. This leads to confusion.
Others get off track, lose sight of the prize and choose to give up. This path leads to death!
Others wander back and forth, always over correcting, worried they are going to lose. Lack of vision, and lack of confidence, in themselves and God.
However, there are those who have counted the cost, they have prepared, they have trained. Heb 12:1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
So how do we decide which path to take if there are no trail markers?
1. Trust that the Lord is leading your steps.
2. When at a crossroad, look ahead, where is Jesus? Which road leads you closer to him. A path that takes you away from him, like one that leads to sin, is never the right road.
3.Choose the path that brings you into closer alignment with God’s word. Being in perfect agreement with The Word of God is the finish line, it signifies Christ in Us. Therefore, the closer we move to that mark, the closer we are to the finish.
4. When in doubt seek God’s wisdom. Is the path you are walking, bringing you closer to him or further away.
5. Trust the Holy Spirit. He is our guide post. He convicts us and leads us in the path of righteousness.
6. Remember better to take a step in confidence, then to take a step in uncertainty. If God has not given you the faith to go boldly, look for another stepping stone. It may not be time to go down that path yet, and doing so will only produce failure.
Questions to ask before moving to the next step.
Will this step bring me closer to Christ?
Will this move allow Christ to live in me more or less?
By making this move will others see Christ in me or just me?
Who benefits from this move? Christ and his body, or me, or both?
Is this the direction Jesus would go?
Will it bring shame to me or others?
Will it hurt anyone or me? Will it cause strife or division?
Does it bring the body closer or further apart?
Does this move agree with the all the word or just some of it?
Do I have complete confidence, in myself and God? If you don’t have confidence in yourself, you will never have confidence in God. First seek the Lord to take away your fears and give you confidence, This is your next step!!
AM I ACTING IN FEAR??? Any move made out of fear (of any kind) is never of God. First seek the Lord for peace then wisdom, then act appropriately, never move in haste.
What has God spoken to me, and does this step agree? Examine your motives. Does this bring you closer to what God has said or further away?
Will this move be pleasing to God?
Will others be offended by this move? Jesus caused many to be offended. Other people will be offended when we walk in the kingdom, however is there a better way?
Am I extending mercy, love and grace, or pointing the finger in accusation?