Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Crooked Paths...


" The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out." Proverbs 10:9

When I read this verse this morning, I saw the similarities in a story I read by Amy Carmichael. In her book, God's Missionary, she writes of an Indian woman who was disgruntled and bitter towards the missionaries because she thought that they said one thing and did another. She wanted to know, "who can say you missionaries live specially holy lives? We Indians observe. We observe you not only when you are at work, but when you are off work too. Is there anything remarkable about you? Are you burning- hot people? We look to you to show us patterns, and you are showing us crooked patterns."

To say the least this was not wholly true. But it is a question we can ask ourselves as Christians...are we showing crooked patterns to those who observe us? Is there anything, even if it seems small, that might stumble someone who is watching? We aren't perfect people, but we are here to live holy lives. Lives that bring glory to God in every aspect of our lives.

We can't walk down crooked paths or show crooked patterns, someone might be following and watching. We never know when we walk down a path, if it will be the path that leads someone to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Heavenly Father, Help us to look at our lives and see if we are showing crooked patterns to anyone who watches us. Give us eyes to see and ears to hear..anything that we might do to stumble those around us. In Jesus' name, Amen

5 comments:

Mishel said...

I was just having this conversation with friends last night...we were talking about how we need to evaluate what we do and say, of course in light of scripture and what pleases the Lord, but also remembering that others are watching as well. And those "others" could be anyone...family, neighbors, the new Christian...the grocery store clerk. It sure gives me a lot to think about! : )

Have a great day Patty!

a portland granny said...

Today I caught up on all of your recent posts--each so special and each so meaningful! I am impressed with your journaling. I have journaled off and on during my life--mostly through dark days. But a journal is a great faith building tool. As I read back through some of mine, I am reminded how truly good God has been to me. I see His faithfulness to my little family and to me, and I praise Him.

Currently my journal contains lots of tags with different subjects and it includes my pray journal. my prayer lists, my praises, descriptions of the Lord, gleaned from my reading, etc. I do think it helps me keep thinking clearer and it is a wonderful secret place to record my deepest thoughts.

Thanks Patty, for taking the time to share your thoughts with us. I feel your words are anointed by the Spirit!

Joan

tea time and roses said...

Hello Patty!

Beautiful post indeed! I often remind myself that as a woman of God, we must be salt and light. I believe so deeply in my heart that when you proclaim Christianity, there is indeed a responsibility that goes along with that. As you stated, we are not perfect. There are days I say the wrong thing or react as Jesus would not, but we must remember... The only bible many of our unsaved loved ones will read are us. Our reflection in the mirror each day should look more like Jesus and less like ourselves. Thank you so much Patty for this beautiful reminder of God's word.

Smiles...

Beverly

elizabeth said...

Patty - we never know why we're led to a blog, but I wanted to let you know what a blessing I found yours to be. Have a great day!

Abounding Treasures said...

Patty,

What a challenging post as I ponder my steps and ask the Lord to help keep my paths straight as I walk before Him and before others.

Blessings,
Dallas