Where Are You Going? (1/19/15)

One day, a young mother was walking on her treadmill when her two and a half year old daughter entered the room. The toddler paused for a moment and a puzzled look crossed her face. In a sweet, innocent voice she asked, “Mommy, where are you going?” After a moment of confusion followed by a hidden chuckle, the mother replied, “Nowhere honey. Mommy is just walking.”

Remembering this story always brings a smile to my face.  I wonder if we don't sometimes spiritually live out the same scenario. Caught up in daily activities that we perform out of habit, do we step on a spiritual treadmill where we get a lot of exercise, but do not gain any ground. Does the voice of the Holy Spirit ask us where we are going?

There are several types of spiritual treadmills that we can choose to step on. A few that come to mind include striving to meet the expectations of others; engaging in activities that are more busyness then have an actual purpose; and repetitive prayer and Bible reading with no real faith or concern for what God truly has for us.

Striving to meet the expectations of others can be an exhausting, futile attempt. We are to serve those around us. This is clear in the Word of God. But it is also clear that we have only one master and that is God. It is He that we are to please. The apostle Paul addressed this topic. “Now am I trying to win the favor of men, or of God? Do I seek to please men? If I were still seeking popularity with men, I should not be a bond servant of Christ (the Messiah).” (Galatians 1:10 AMP) We are not accountable to other people because we are servants of God. “Who are you to pass judgment on and censure another’s household servant? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he shall stand and be upheld, for the Master (the Lord) is mighty to support him and make him stand.” (Romans 14:4 AMP) We do not have to strive to make others happy if we are doing what God directs. He is the only one to please and He is happy with His faithful servants.

Busyness is a common thief in our society. It disguises itself as necessary work. Jesus addressed a very hardworking Martha in this way. “But the Lord replied to her by saying, Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; There is need of only one or but ^[a]a few things. Mary has chosen the good portion [^[b]that which is to her advantage], which shall not be taken away from her.”(Luke 10:41-42 AMP) We can also get caught up doing what we believe we must do without ever consulting the Lord. This is not the type of sacrifice that He wants from His children. We must listen so we can obey. “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,” (1 Samuel 15:22b AMP)

Prayer and Bible study, done simply as a duty, does not have the deep, pleasing aroma that true fellowship with God offers. We must come with a desire to get to know God better and believe that He will act according to His Word.  “But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come near to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him [out].” (Hebrews 11:6 AMP) Time with God must be initiated by love and a desire to know and trust Him more. Genuine prayer and study are real communication with the Lord.

Jesus has called us to follow Him. “Come after Me [as disciples—letting Me be your Guide], follow Me,” (Matthew 4:19a AMP) He also promised us rest. “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.]” (Matthew 11:28 AMP) The Lord never intended for us to live hard lives that are going nowhere. He does not want us striving to be what we, or anyone else, think we should be. He wants us on the path He sets.

“Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.  In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 AMP)

 There is a path the Lord wants each of us to walk down.  This path contains genuine service to the Lord.  We are to receive direction from Him and follow where He leads. Then we will always be in His presence and can walk purposefully in joy. “You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy, at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11 AMP)

The answer to the question, “Where are you going?” will be this, “I’m following the path the Lord has planned and He walks beside me.”

 So do not walk for the sake of walking? Get off the treadmill and walk with purpose on your God designed path. He will be with you every step.