The Trail Of Jesus

Have you ever gone hiking? Usually there is a trail to follow. The pathway is clearly marked, or easy to find, and the scenery is beautiful to look at. Hiking a trail in the fall at the height of color (when the leaves change) is so amazing! The fresh smell of the woods, the vibrant colors of the leaves, and the crisp clean smell of the air, are all things to be appreciated…to soak in.

What if the trail is not so clear? Then what are you to do? I would hope that someone with experience is along for the hike. Hiking the Grand Canyon alone when you have never been there would not be wise. Doing a hike that may be moderately difficult by yourself just would not make sense. You could take the wrong path and wind up in trouble, or lost. Imagine being on a wooded hillside and not knowing the way back down, and night is coming. Does not sound like fun to me. Better to hike in a group or at least with one other person.

Hiking or backpacking is a lot like following the trail of Jesus. Jesus left a very well defined trail for us to follow. The path is clearly marked out for us to follow, with instructions along the way as to the dangers of the trail. Our guidebook on this trail is the bible. The bible contains all the information we need to follow the trail of Jesus.

Just as when hiking, we need the proper equipment to follow Jesus. We need a willing heart to be able to turn our lives over to Him. We need to read the instruction manual (the Word of God) before, and during the journey. We need to except that changes are coming into our lives and be willing to trust in the Lord’s leading. We need to learn to communicate with God…through prayer. We need to learn to put on the armor of God for our protection.

It is important that Jesus be the guide on the trail so we don’t get into trouble. Although the trail of Jesus is pretty clearly marked, sometimes the path seems pretty confusing to us, especially if we are new believers. It helps to steer clear of the pitfalls along the way to have fellowship with other believers in Christ. To have another believer who is more mature in their faith to help or provide counsel is priceless.

Anyone can say they believe in Jesus, that does not mean much, after all the devil and his demons believe in Jesus. Are you following the trail of Jesus or only glancing at the path?

Following the trail of Jesus can be difficult, but is for sure rewarding. His trail leads to change, change leads to improvement; improvement leads to a better life. A life lived in love, care for others, generosity, and a focus centered on the Lord. Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.

Are you hot on the trail of Jesus?

gth                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 1/7/12