ODJ: steps to nowhere

November 6, 2013 

READ: 1 Corinthians 9:24-10:13 

So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing (9:26).

Serving with a group of students, I was picking up rubbish from the grounds of a home when I found a set of three sturdy brick steps. An ordinary set of stairs in every way, but they led nowhere. Climbing to the top simply led to the plank siding of the old, worn house.

So often we think of spiritual growth in terms of significant events or big transitions—whether in our lives or in our hearts. In doing so, we divorce ourselves from the real impact of everyday decisions. Small is significant, whether for good or evil. Solomon reminds us that the fruitfulness of our lives can be deeply affected by “little foxes” (Song of Solomon 2:15), and Jesus spoke of the immeasurable impact of mustard-seed muments in His kingdom (Luke 13:18-19).

Being strategic in our spiritual walk is all about seeking God and His will. It’s vital that we strive to remain obedient to Him and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit even in the ‘little’ things. Working hard on whatever, making something happen, or passing time isn’t enough. We’re responsible for knowing and testing the worthiness of what we’re doing in life (1 Corinthians 3:12-14).

The temptation to squander—be it our money, our time or our passion—is very real. We avoid building steps to nowhere by keeping our vision clear in our . . .

• worship (1 Corinthians 10:6-7)

• relationships (vv.7-8)

• speech (vv.9-10)

The important distinction in our decisions, though, is far greater than steps leading to a wall or a door. It’s the difference between living for those things that will wither and pass and choosing those that will remain forever (James 1:11-12; 1 Peter 1:22-25). —Regina Franklin