August 30, 2021
Then after this He said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.” The disciples *said to Him, “Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone You, and are You going there again?” Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.” (John 11:7-10)
The loudest voice in your head determines the direction of your life. You are driven by who you listen to most carefully and how you respond to what is said.
SELF AND WORLD-DRIVEN
For some, their own voice dominates. Their comfort and recognition is the driving force behind every decision. The end of this thinking is a selfish life. As a man thinks in his heart, so is he. A man wrapped up in himself is a very small package.
For others, the world dictates their movements. Ever careful to be culturally correct, they believe that they must please others at all costs. They never upset the apple cart of man’s opinions.
They have come to believe that the approval of man (which changes with every current gust) will give them the satisfaction they crave. The tragedy of this approach is that the Prince of the power of the air is ruling over this world, and his desire is to steal, kill, and destroy.
CHRIST AND WORD-DRIVEN
The smallest group among these three are those who have died to their voice and the world’s. God’s will matters most to them. They know the emptiness of a selfish life and the danger of a worldly life. And they have gladly chosen to live by “every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”
You will find these people in constant communion with God through His Word and prayer, for it is their lifeline. And they walk in the light, as Christ is in the light.
The world may hate them and even persecute and kill them. But we see in the Scripture above that such threats do not matter to one walking in the light. They know that they will not stumble. That they are headed on a path that always succeeds because it is God’s path for them, and He will “lead them in all the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”
There is freedom in this walk, for the light will always show them the path, one step at a time, and if God is for them, who can be against them? Nothing will separate them from the love of God in Christ Jesus. These will enjoy the most productive life, for there could not possibly be greater effectiveness than what the Creator provides as they walk together. They enjoy the highest joy and satisfaction for they walk with Him.
Father, thank You for opening to me your bright road. Help me to see with ever-increasing clarity the foolishness of living for myself or seeking to please others. Let me simply listen to You today and walk in the light. And thank You for the absolute protection along this road, regardless of what man thinks of me or does to me.
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