Consider Our Steps

The presence of tracks means something. To Mister Bill, the hunter, it means some form of wildlife has been in the area, which he readily identifies [by its tracks]. On a sandy beach, the tracks are typically those of human feet with or without shoes; occasionally, however, there will be tire tracks meaning a beach patrol has crossed the sand. The Prophet Jeremiah said, "I know, O Lord, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps." (Jeremiah 10:23 ESV). Jeremiah's knowledge of his own way is wise; this leads me to ask myself ... how wise am I? As it is indeed The Lord Who directs the steps of man, how foolish when I only casually consider the way in which I go! God kindly yet firmly says, "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go" (Psalm 32:8 ESV) yet so much of life, I just plow-ahead in my own wisdom, strength and wherewithal. What does that say about the tracks I leave behind? Jesus' steps were carefully taken: "Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2 ESV). Jesus' steps led Him to the cross as full-payment for every wrong step I had taken or ever will take.  Some people I know wear a smart device that tracks the number of their steps in a given period of time. How well am I counting my steps - giving careful thought to - as  I endeavor to walk in The Spirit? For sure, I'm leaving tracks but do my tracks lead others to the cross? Yes, we are wise to ... consider our steps.