Greg Chandler
States that are rich in natural beauty have learned that it is good business to make these areas accessible to the public. Parks bring in tourists, who bring in money that supports local economies and state budgets. However, where there are people, there are potential challenges. For those who enjoy these “back to nature” parks, a sign such as the one pictured is not uncommon. On a recent vacation, I saw a number of these signs and had various thoughts about them. One question, however, continued to come to mind: why would someone want to get off the trail? While there are likely several answers to this question, two would surely top the list: 1. “I may be missing something by staying on the trail.” 2. “No one tells me what to do.” Not only do park rangers have to deal with such attitudes, but so does the Lord.
The Bible is replete with language that identifies a life lived for God as one’s walk. An early example of this is God’s call of Abram, when He said, “I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless” (Genesis 17:1). There are also several examples in Scripture that identify a faithful walk with staying on the right trail. Consider the Lord’s message recorded by the prophet Jeremiah: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls” (Jeremiah 6:16). There is safety in walking the Lord’s path, and eternal reward is promised to those who remain faithful without doubting. Numerous scriptural signposts within His holy word admonish followers to “stay on trail,” so why do many stray from His path of safety?
Like tourists with poor reasoning, many stray from the Lord’s trail for fear they are missing something. This problem is as old as mankind and was the basis for the very first temptation faced. Cunningly, the serpent planted this doubt in Eve’s mind when he tempted her to eat the forbidden fruit. He said, “For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil” (Genesis 3:5). Like a wayward hiker tumbling down a hill, the consequences of her decision could not be reversed after leaving the trail and eating the fruit. Along with Adam, she learned immediately that there is danger when God’s authority is ignored. Like a hidden tree root, this temptation has caused many to trip and fall. Ignoring the Lord’s warnings about sexual impurity, addiction, anger, and a host of other areas, venturing just beyond the trail does not present a beautiful sweeping vista; instead, it presents a wasteland of consequences that can lead to spiritual death.
Choosing to dismiss the Lord and ignore His authority is the second reason for the decision to leave the trail. More than a “grass is greener on the other side” temptation, this choice is steeped in rebellion. When hikers leave a defined trail, there is the attitude that one’s own prowess and cunning can deal with any obstacle that might come along. The same is true concerning spiritual rebellion and well stated by the wise man when he wrote, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes” (Proverbs 12:15a). Stories abound of hikers who did “what was right in their own eyes” and became hopelessly lost. Sometimes this resulted in serious bodily trauma and sometimes ended in death. Those toying with rebellion against God should heed the warning. There is only one path that leads to life, with all others leading to destruction (see Matthew 7:13). To reject the Lord’s gracious offer that leads to salvation is to foolishly choose the path to this destruction.
Established trails are a great blessing for the traveler, especially when the one who made the trail was an expert. The path the Lord established for humanity was mapped by none other than the Savior. The author of Hebrews states, “Keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. Forthe joy set out for him he endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2 NET). The word pioneer means trailblazer; He is the One who has gone before to mark the way for those who will follow. Not only has He prepared the way, but the writer states also that we can keep our eyes on Him, thus following His leadership. When this is the case, the path will not always be easy, but success will be certain.
Consider how the old hymn “Stepping in the Light” sums up this idea and determine to follow Jesus. While the path will not be easy, the destination will be phenomenal!
Trying to walk in the steps of the Savior,
Upward, still upward we’ll follow our Guide;
When we shall see Him, the King in His beauty,
Happy, how happy, our place at His side — E.E. Hewitt, 1890
