As we enter 2023, if we are to enjoy a deeper relationship with God and its related blessings, we need to ensure that we are not distracted from Jesus. Last week, we focused on guarding our eyes. This week, we focus on guarding our feet:

IN WORD The advice in this verse is not unusual wisdom; it could be heard from the mouth of almost any father, from any military training camp, or from any advice column. The issue for us as believers is how to define its terms. What does “level” mean? Which ways are firm?
We will find a vast disagreement between what the world considers level or firm and the directions God leads us in. Take Abraham, for example. He thought he was choosing the level and firm path when he had a son through Hagar, trying to fulfill God’s promise (Genesis 16). It seemed like the only rational way. But God’s way, though not rational by man’s standards, was a far surer path. Or look at Jesus for another example. Which of His disciples would have told Him that the way of the Cross was the way of wisdom? By their standards, it was foolishness and disaster. By God’s, it was the ultimate expression of faithfulness and truth.
When this verse commands us to make level paths and to take firm ways, it is not telling us to follow conventional wisdom. This is not a suggestion to play it safe. It is an order to follow God, to heed His wisdom and trust His guidance, no matter how foolish it looks to a skeptical and watching world. It is a call to base our lives in the ultimate reality of Scripture rather than the finite understanding of human logic. We must understand that the level and firm paths are the ones that are level and firm in God’s sight—not ours, not anyone else’s.
IN DEED When you seek a direction for your life, give no attention to whether your path is safe or risky, conventional or unconventional. Consider only whether it is based in God’s truth, sensitive to His voice, and reflecting His purposes as revealed in His Word. This is ultimately the only safe, level, firm way there is. “The center of God’s will is our only safety.” – Betsie Ten Boom (in “Walking with God” by Chris Tiegreen)

Many Christians do not enjoy God’s abundant life because they “play it safe.” But if we are to experience the fullness of a relationship with God, we must be willing to lose our life. Jesus challenges us, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?” (Matthew 16:24-26)
In truth, safety rests in following Jesus, not the ways of the world. Take time to evaluate your life this week through Jesus’ last words in John 14 – 17. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you abide in Christ and make 2023 a year that enables you to rise above conventional wisdom. Have a blessed week! - from Singapore, Pastor Sam