The Path Matters

There was a time in the past when it was often said by many folks, "It doesn't matter what you believe, what is important is believing."  While that may sound like a good all inclusive statement which creates an umbrella under which everyone can stand, it is really nothing more than what is often referred to in these parts as hogwash.  The object of our belief is something which shapes us, it is something which sets in place our values, and it is something upon which we are betting our life.  Indeed, what we believe does  matter.   

And along these same lines, it does matter where we choose to go with our life.  Any choice is not necessarily a good choice even if we pursue it with all our energy and determination.  When Jeremiah was trying to re-direct the path of the wayward Hebrews he told them what he knew to be a Word from the Lord, "Thus says the Lord:  Stand at the crossroads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way lies..."  (Jeremiah 6:16).  In essence he was calling them to remember their story, to remember who they were, and most importantly, calling them to remember to whom they belonged.  The ancient paths would put their feet on that good way.  Neither the paths their disobedience had chosen, or any other new path could do this for them.  There might be promises of good things on the wrong paths they had chosen, but those paths could only end in disaster.     

We live in a culture which looks with suspicion on anything older than yesterday.  The way things are done in this day is the only right way.  And, the values of today's culture have been tested and measured as true by the collectors of common consensus.  The older I become, the more I am convinced that my mother and father had more right than wrong and the more I am convinced that the way God has ordained and outlined for us in His Word is the only thing which is worthy of my life.  And, I am also convinced that in the end when this life is done, the ancient path will stretch out before me to show me the way Home.