Proverbs 4:26-27

²⁶ Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. ²⁷ Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.

Damian storms out of the house well past curfew seeking to fulfill his addiction. His mother cries out in a strong yet depleted voice, “Please stay home my son–not again–let us help you!” Her words reach the front door just as he shuts it closed. She slumps in her chair and offers a prayer similar to the ones before: “Dear Lord, he is my son, and I love him so much. I pray that you will continue to place your watch care over him even though he is not listening or seeking you! Pierce his heart for all things holy and pure, and draw him closer to you each and every day. Above all things, Lord, give us peace, comfort, and direction as we continue to minister to our son. We ask all these things in the name of Jesus, Amen.” Damian wanders a crooked path welcoming destruction. It is almost as if sin and all things evil are attracted to him. His life-choices mimic open gates inviting loss, heartache, ravage, extinction, havoc, rebellion, and downfall. He projects these demons onto his family and those around him out of hate. Yet, through the faithful prayers of his family, church, and friends, he will soon experience deliverance. His tragedies will soon become his testimony. Once bound by addiction, he will lead the masses to acceptance in Christ.

Dear friends, what do you see from this passage in Proverbs? I see preparation, “Mark out a straight path for your feet.” Marking any path takes time, study, practice, and implementation. We cannot expect to succeed in this life by simply wearing Christian-themed T-shirts or slapping a catchy biblical bumper sticker to our cars. While these things are “good”, they do not closely define our Christian walk. I strongly encourage you to dig deep into God’s Word where you can study His principles and practice! Prepare your Christian walk and remain on the straight path – “stay on the safe path.” When you are prepared, you are able to remain focused, keeping your feet far from evil.

Thoughts: Do you find yourself becoming spiritually sidetracked and removing your feet from His safe path? How will you combat this today?

Thankful,

Christian Armetta