A New Path
Psalm 32:8 (NLT) - The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.
Romans 12:2 - Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
God’s path for your life is the best path. He has a plan and a purpose for you. Maybe you have not been paying attention to Him up until now; maybe you veered away from his course for you. That doesn’t matter now. He is changing the direction of your life. You are following him and your new path is a path of righteousness, not a path of evil. You are pursuing holiness, and leaving behind the practice of sin. Your life is now becoming one of truth and honesty, rather than lies and deception. Generosity, not greed. Unity, not division. Contentment, not covetousness. You have a sense of self-control, rather than being controlled by anything else. Hard work not idleness characterizes your days. Money and time are well spent. Energy is wisely invested. Your mind is captured by truth and virtue. Love flows from your heart.
You have a new motivation. Living for Jesus is your new path. You have a developing desire to please Him. Before, you used to want to please your self and others. But you were never satisfied and now you recognize selfish motives and people-pleasing for the traps they are. Before, you needed the approval of others for your self-worth. Now you know that the only one who matters is Jesus, and he has accepted and approved of you completely. The activity of your life is now freely and purposefully organized around the things of God.
You have a new role. As a believer, you are a representative of Jesus, an ambassador to the world. The ministry of reconciliation has been given to you, meaning, you have the privilege of sharing the good news of Jesus with others and inviting them to follow Him as their Savior just as you have done. You get to tell them of the forgiveness that can be theirs, the new life Jesus wants to give them.
You have a new goal. The goal of your life is no longer self-fulfillment or self-realization; your aim is to become like Jesus. As you walk the path surrendered and open, His Spirit will work within you to transform your very being. His love will be perfected in you and you will love the world on his behalf. His character and goodness will become evidenced in your heart and soul. Your very being will be transformed over time. You. Becoming more and more like Jesus.
More: Proverbs 4:10-27, Romans 12, Philippians 3:12-14, 1 Peter 4:2, 1 John 3:4-10