Zealous Wanderers

"It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way."

Trail maps are only good if you read and apply them. In our haste to get to the top of the mountain summit we darted out in confident ignorance. "Surely it can't be that hard to find our way?", our prideful emotions declared. And for awhile the path was easy. So we ascended higher into the alpine forest with vigor and gusto propelling our feet. Captivated by the scenery and lost in dreamy thoughts we neglected to notice we'd veered off the path. Surrounded by thorny bushes and thicket the hike got harder and dangerously close to a cliff. Time to make a choice.

Life is often like that. We think we know the right way to go and don't consult the One who is our Maker, Almighty God. The Lord's gift to mankind of free will is both a blessing and a curse, for He has enabled us with options for choosing good or evil. We stubbornly believe we know what is best, what is truth, which road to heaven is the right path. But we have tunnel vision that limits our sight in this earthly life. We are not God and never will be. But through a personal relationship with His Son, Jesus, Christ, we can follow the One who leads us to heaven.

Don't get lost in life. The Holy Spirit will live in you when you confess your sins and dedicate your life to following Jesus. He helps you to understand what the Holy Scriptures say. The Bible is more than a guide book, it is God's inspired Holy Word given to us for knowledge of who God is, what He desires, and what God expects of us. When you stay close to Jesus there is no confusion for He is the true light and the way. Feelings and experiences can fool us. But knowledge of God's Word gives clarity and truth to those who study it, and apply it to their lives.

It is possible to be very zealous in your beliefs but be following the wrong theology, and listening to ungodly advice from others. Spend time reading the Bible and ask God to help you understand the Scriptures. He loves you and wants to give you a new heart and mind, cleanse your sins, and show you how to live in communion with Him! You don't want to miss all the blessings of heaven and a Helper for life's hardships because you were walking on the wrong trail, do you? "It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way."

Your fellow herald for Jesus,

Mary