In this important series we have been learning the
pillars that help us to make sense of the future. When you understand the
future, we are better prepared to face it. So far, the pillars we learned
include:
Pillar 01: Bible Prophecy is the
key;
Pillar 02: We live in a spiritual
world and the challenges, problems and solutions are equally spiritual;
Pillar 03: We have power and
victory over the enemy;
Pillar 04: We are called to
fearlessness;
Pillar 05: We are simultaneously ‘dead’
and ‘alive;’
Pillar 06: God
provides a way of escape.
To these we add the seventh and final pillar. It is
well described in Proverbs 4:18-19:
But
the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto
the perfect day. 19 The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what
they stumble.
In short, Pillar 07 can be summarised as this: Your
God-given future is bright. This is very true, however, the converse is
also correct: A future without the living God is wicked, dark, and full of
offences that will make one stumble.
Ever notice how our mood is affected by weather. When
the day is overcast, cold, and dark, it projects a sullen effect. When the day
is bright and sunny, we respond with a open heart and uplifted countenance. In
the United States, during the short, cold winter days, some people spend the
season in the ‘sun belt’ like Arizona and Florida. Yet in the summer, these
states become hot spots so the same people stay in the north. We cannot change
the weather but we can change our location.
Regarding the seventh and final pillar, there are some
important things to to understand:
DECISION
What is notable is that we actually have a choice of
which future we want to embrace. Stay in default mode and you automatically
gravitate towards way of the wicked, which is darkness. Make a decision to
embrace wisdom, understanding, knowledge and prudence - qualities advocated by
the Book of Proverbs - and you will be steered to the well-lit path of the
just.
A NARROW PATHWAY.
The path of the just is a bright, lit pathway. It is
also very narrow. We are told in Matthew 7:13-14 (NKJV):
Enter
by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to
destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because narrow is the gate
and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
You will not necessarily be walking with the multitudes
when you choose the path of the just. Yet you will have some choice company.
LIGHT ON THE PATHWAY COMES FROM GOD HIMSELF
The source of all light, life, and love, comes from
Almighty God Himself. All His ways are just, holy, gracious, and true. A decision
to walk on the ‘path of the just’ is essentially a decision to walk with God
and God alone. Endeavouring to walk with God while trying to remain in the
world brings all kinds of undesirable consequences. The Lord will not share His
glory with anyone else and demands our complete attention, submission and
cooperation.
OBEDIENCE
It is impossible to come and remain in God’s light
while living in disobedience. God’s simple and just commands are to be obeyed,
not merely acknowledged, and with that obedience comes light. In Isaiah
60:1-2, we are told to ‘rise and shine,’ The reason is the light has come
and God’s glory is rising. Obedience brings us into every increasing light;
disobedience leads us into gross darkness.
This theme of obedience is also enunciated in II
Peter 1:19. Since we through Christ have been given a more sure word of
prophecy, we would be well advised to heed this prophetic word. Why? It is a
light that shines in a dark place. Indeed, the prophetic word is the brightest
light we have in this planet until Jesus, the light of the world, comes.
‘
Obedience requires us to cast off the works of
darkness and put on the armour of light (Romans 13:12). God commands us to
awake from sleep and rise from the dead so that Christ can give us life
(Ephesians 5:14).
I John 1:5 tells
us that God is light and in Him there is no darkness at all. Like the sun gives
light to the earth and moon, God gives His light to those who follow him. So we
can and should reflect His light and that becomes possible by being on the path
of the just.
Future-friendly living is to live in obedience to God’s
commands. Enter the path of the just: you will never lack God’s light, you will
be future-ready, and you will never look back at past darkness. Guaranteed.
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