Keep Within the Lines

I drove north in the middle of three lanes on I35E in Texas. Cruising down the highway at 70 mph, I needed to stay within the lines of my lane. To veer right or left could cause immediate risk. Absent-mindedness, looking at roadside distractions, texting, or any other foolish endeavor could cause a wreck with injuries or loss of life, and wrecked vehicles.

Even if my intentions were good, with no desire to hurt anyone, that wreck could occur. It could happen to a sincere, born-again, dedicated Christian who wants to honor the Lord.

In like manner, there are many spiritual wrecks in the Christian life, even among Christians who have given many years of faithful Christian service. They stepped “outside the lines” of God’s will and missed God’s best for them.

It would be highly beneficial for dedicated Christians to keep their hearts, minds, and wills “close to THE book.” Joshua 1:7 (KJV) states, “Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.” Isaiah 30:21 counsels, “And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.”

When you keep close to THE book, you will go in the right direction and enjoy intimate communion with the Lord, abiding fruitfulness, and answered prayers. “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” John 15:7.