Soul to Soles

“How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to Your word.”- Psalm 119:9

Not having the proper footgear can make where you are trying to go and what you are attempting to accomplish, both limiting and uncomfortable. For various activities, assignments, and adventures having shoes with good cushioning, support, and tread/grip is an absolute necessity. Sneakers aren’t helping your look at a high-level job interview; Dress Shoes won’t help you “Be Like Mike” on the basketball court; and Worn Boots don’t keep you upright on wet, slippery terrain. Trust me, I have a long history of blisters, twisted ankles, and soreness from not having the right pair on hand (um, I mean on foot).

In the Bible the word “path” provides the imagery as to our way of life with God, with others, and with the totality of our time on this earth. God by His Spirit places an emphasis on our focus being straight ahead and our footing being on solid ground. Proverbs 4:25-26 tells us, “Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths of your feet and be steadfast in all your ways.”

God’s awesome apparel provides solid footing for each aspect of life’s journey and clothes us in each attribute of Christ:

- to walk in purity when temptation comes to trip us up.

- to walk in patience when detours come down the road.

- to walk in love when others are hard to lead and/or follow behind.

- to walk in humility while climbing to new heights in life.

- to walk in faith when the road is obstructed by unforeseen conditions.

If you thought footwear was important, just look at the faith footing we are called to have each step of the way and in every area of our worship walk. In Ephesians 4:1, Paul commands us, “I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called.” The current journey you are on may be difficult, the future destination may be uncertain, and each step along the path may be tiresome, but take hold of the Lord’s hand, place your feet on His good paths, and see how far you can go, how much you can accomplish, and how many people are blessed along the way!