Bill Hybels writes that the
average person takes about 10,000 steps during the course of a normal day. A
couple of questions came to my mind when I read this statistic: 1. Who took
the time to count the steps of an average person on a normal day? 2. Why
would some one take the time to count the steps of an average person on a
normal day? (There are actually several other questions that go through my
mind about averageness and normalcy, but we’ll ignore those at this time.)
If today is normal, I will take 10,000 steps. And unless I trip over
something or step on a toy and hurt my foot, I will ignore every one of
those 10,000 steps. I will not pay attention to each place my foot lands on
the way to the office. When I get up to move about the house I will not
carefully plot the location of where my feet need to go. I will simply walk
where I need to walk without paying much attention to the process along the
way. I could not say the same thing if the conditions changed. If I was
walking a steep mountain path or if I was walking on uneven ground at night,
I would pay careful attention to my steps. I would be careful to make sure
that each foot was located on firm ground. Jesus says,
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“Enter through the narrow gate.
For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many
enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life,
and only a few find it.” -- Matthew 7:13-14. It requires no attention to walk
the way of destruction. Our feet naturally blend in with the countless footsteps
beside us. The way is smooth and easy to walk. But to walk the spiritually
disciplined life, we must pay attention to our steps. The path that leads to
life is narrow. It requires effort to remain in that path. We must learn to pay
attention to each step that we take. “A simple man believes anything, but a
prudent man gives thought to his steps.” – Proverbs 14:15. Have you considered
your spiritual steps today? Have you given thought to the direction you are
going? Have you thought about the path you are following? One way to check your
steps is to actively read God’s word. The psalmist writes, “Your word is a lamp
to my feet and a light for my path.” – Psalm 119:105. Don’t ignore your steps!
Shed a little light on your path. “The Lord bless you and keep you…” (Numbers
6:24)
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Steve Gauntt |
