“The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day.” (Proverbs 4:18 NLT)
Whenever my family and I have moved to a new area we’ve always tried to find a place to live that was East of our work so we would be traveling West to work in the morning, and East home in the evening. Some may wonder: “Why would that even be a concern?” Otherwise, we’re driving with the bright sun in our eyes going to and from work, which is not only aggravating, but also dangerous.
However, in the context of our thoughts today, the rising SON that illuminates our pathway is the light of life that not only helps us see clearly how to live but is also the source of the light in our lives to show the way for those who will follow us.
Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 10:31-33: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Don’t give offense to Jews or Gentiles or the church of God. I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved. And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.”
Notice the clear reason why it’s so vitally important we not only walk in the Light ourselves but be consciously aware that we are illuminating the way for those who are following us who need to be saved. To try to dart in and out of the Light by trying to live with one foot in the world and the other following Jesus is not only crippling our witness, but harmful to those who are following us. Notice Paul says: “I do what is best for others so that many may be saved.” The salvation of those whom we’re seeking to influence is always our goal.
The principle of “paying it forward” is applicable here, especially as we’re seeking to honor the Lord and influence someone for Him. Someone we help in some way may say something like: “How could I ever repay you for your kindness?” Realizing this can sometimes be a platitude and they have no real interest in paying anyone back for anything, I give them the benefit of the doubt and will often say something like: “Repaying me need not be your concern. What I do I do to honor the Lord Jesus whom I love and serve, so, as He prompts you, do for someone else what He’s allowed and enabled me to do for you.”
Whether it’s money we give or a kindness in helping someone, the brighter way of the Lord Jesus would have us plant two seeds in their mind. First, though the kindness was given by us, it was prompted by the Lord we love and serve. Why is that important? Because the Christian faith isn’t a set of religious beliefs that we hold dear in our heart and mind, it’s following our eternal Leader in accomplishing good works He ordained for us to carry out before the foundation of the world. We’re essentially saying, “Do as I have done for you in following the Lord’s directives as He leads you in helping someone else.”
But, secondly, we’re emphasizing that the good we have done and are asking them to do isn’t to glorify, honor, or gain recognition for ourselves, but to point all glory, honor, and praise to the only One who deserves it, the Lord Jesus Himself. My friend, Ray Majoran, understands this well. Let the words of his helpful prayer bless you as they blessed me.
“Holy Spirit, guide our steps each day so that our lives follow the ways You teach. Give us hearts that are ready to listen, minds that are willing to learn, and courage to walk the path You set before us. Establish our steps in wisdom and faithfulness, because the path of the righteous grows brighter as it leads forward (Proverbs 4:18). May our lives reflect the beauty of Your ways, and may our journey lead others to seek the higher way found in Christ.”
Food for thought.
Blessings, Ed 😊
Walking With Jesus 