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Paths of Righteousness


Psalm 23:3b

"...He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake."

In just the verse previous it says, "He leadeth me beside the still waters."  Well, again, God is leading us...but in this case He leads us in the paths of righteousness.  What does that mean?  Well, first of all, I believe I've heard it said on more than one occasion, "A good definition for 'righteousness' is Right with God-ness."  In other words, righteousness is a right standing before God. We cannot have a right standing before God without having confessed to God that we are a sinner, and in need of Christ's  finished work on the cross.  That is really a whole new subject...but it is, in fact, where it all begins.  If you do not know Christ as your personal Saviour, please reference "salvation" in my postings.  There are many, many references that will be a help to you.  This posting is primarily for Christians, and the reminder that God will lead us in the paths of righteousness...we just need to be willing to follow!

Let me remind you, dear Christian, God has given us His Holy Spirit to be a help to us.  He is there for us...for so many reasons.  Perhaps that will be my next study to share with you!  But just to give a little tidbit or two, let me remind you of John 14:16 which says, "And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever."  The Holy Spirit is our Comforter...what a comfort that is!  And verse 17 says, "He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you."  ...yet, still another comforting thought!  He dwells with us and in us...and He is the One guiding us in the paths of righteousness.  He is that convicting voice within us, endeavoring to guide us in the way we should go.  God still leaves it up to us, what is our will and way; but oh, how He desires for us follow Him and be at a right standing before Him.

A right standing before Him...that brings up another subject.  The Holy Spirit will also convict us of any sin in our hearts and lives.  We won't be at a right standing before God if there's any sin in our hearts and lives.  We must keep the way clean and clear between us.  Another thing that will help us in that regard, is being in the Word.  God's Word is power to us...and yes, it'll convict us as well, of any sin; but it will guide us into all truth.  It is strength and power to us.

Let me close with this:  This particular verse closes with the words, "for His name's sake."  "He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake."  In other words, if we will follow His leading and keep at a right standing before Him, that is what will bring the greatest glory to Himself.  Let me remind you, dear Christian, the reason we were saved, and the reason we are still here on this earth is that we might bring glory to God.  That is our prime purpose in life!  For His name's sake...we aren't to live this life for ourselves, but for His name's sake.  Oh, that it might be so in each of our lives!


May we always follow God's leading...and thereby, bring glory to Him! 

   Merle        
           


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