I feel very fortunate that I have a large group of great friends. I have friends from different backgrounds, places, age groups and status. I've always thought of myself as a friendly and open person but have recently come to realize that is not true.
I had one of those close friends ask me a question recently that shocked me. I was shocked because after knowing them for such a long time and having spent a lot of time with them I would have assumed they knew me well enough to know the answer. It took me a while to realize that I had been closed off--even to close friends. I didn't let anyone in. I had built up walls around me to protect me so how could anyone really know me? The only way for someone to know me (or you) is to open up. Later, God revealed to me just how big those walls of Jericho (3/28 post) were that I built so many years ago.
2 Corinthians 5:7 We live by faith, not by sight. If we truly trust God and live by faith there is no need to have walls. We are called to share our lives with others. I discovered something interesting--if you are building up walls to keep others out this directly contradicts God's Word. Philippians 2:3-4 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. And 1 Peter 4:10 says Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If I'm busy with those walls I'm not focusing on what God's called me to do. I can't be a very effective witness if I don't open up to others.
By no accident, today's sermon was about crossroads - making life's biggest decisions. You and I can experience a dramatically altered life IF we choose to move in the direction God leads. If I start with God He will always direct me in the best way to go. It sounds pretty easy but is hard to do. Psalm 119:105 says Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. I'm a visual person so I have this illustration that works well for me. I love camping and the outdoors. If you've ever been camping and need to go anywhere after sunset you know that you need a lantern or flashlight. The lantern/flashlight will shine in a very small, specific path (it only illuminates a set distance). You have to take a step forward to see farther. Each step you take another area comes into sight. In the same way, we have to trust God to guide our path. As we take a step in faith, He reveals something new.
I was at a crossroad today, I chose to make God's Word the starting point for all of my decisions and tear down the walls that I built. What will you do at your crossroad?
2 Corinthians 13:14 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
