The path of the just

There are many references to paths in the Bible. In the 23rd Psalm, we read that the Lord will lead us in paths of righteousness. And in the book of Proverbs we learn that the path of the just or righteous man is like a shining light which gets brighter and brighter. Prov 4:18. Most Christians understand righteousness as our place of right standing before God and many may consider this relationship to be a welcome but static position. However, these verses in Psalms and Proverbs tell us that our righteousness is a path that becomes clearer and shines more and more. When David declared that the Lord led him in paths of righteousness, he was referring to paths of ‘prosperity’. Psa 23:3. I am reminded of a verse in the New Testament which speaks of our soul prospering. 3 John 1:2. In this verse, ‘to prosper’ literally means ‘receiving help on the road’ or ‘succeeding in reaching a goal’. So again we note the similarity between a path and our righteousness.

Jesus told His disciples to shine as lights in the world because people would see their good works and glorify God. Matt 5:16. It is interesting for us to consider that Jesus equates our works or labour with a light that shines. The Scripture has much to say about our individual work in the body of Christ. In his letters to the churches, Paul wrote that ‘we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works’. Eph 2:10. He stated that gifts have been given to each believer in accordance with God’s grace, and he explained that we are all members of His body with different functions to perform. Rom 12:4-8. The apostle Peter called us stewards of God’s manifold or varied grace and directed us to exercise our gifts in serving one another. Both Paul and Peter spoke of God’s sanctifying grace which separates us to a particular calling. 1 Pet 1:2, Gal 2:7-9.

But like Timothy, we may not always be comfortable with our path or calling. Paul wrote to the younger man with a few suggestions about how he might cope with the ‘work’ God had given him to do. Although Timothy was well versed in the Scriptures, having been raised by a believing mother and grandmother, he was still young and inexperienced. He lacked confidence at times and suffered stomach troubles when his nerves got the better of him. But Paul didn’t let Timothy off the hook. Instead he told his young co-worker ‘to be strong in the grace’ and advised him to take a little wine for his stomach’s sake. 1 Tim 5:23, 2 Tim 2:1. Paul encouraged Timothy to rekindle the gift that was in him, to guard the treasure that had been entrusted to him, and to fulfil his ministry. 2 Tim 1:6, 14, 4:6.

If we are to fulfil our ministries, we must also heed Paul’s advice when we feel overcome by our sense of inadequacy. We should come boldly to the throne of grace for help in time of need, whether our gift is preaching the gospel, maintaining machinery or cooking for a crowd. Heb 4:16. Our righteousness is our God given ‘work’ and identity. It is the authority to be who we are called to be. And we can be assured that ‘the God of all grace will perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish’ us as we continue on His chosen path.
1 Pet 5:10

Sue Falk

Return to top

Feature Articles
October 2009

Grace to you

The trumpet of God

Ascending praise

The path of the just

A church community

No longer your own

Where is wisdom?
- Part 1

Asking and receiving

Our greatest support

Confidence to endure