Have you ever been lost in the woods?

Walking through the woods can be refreshing and entertaining.  There is something special about the fresh air and the scenery.  It is exhilarating to sneak up on wild (but tame) animals in their habitat.  Even the act of walking through the woods can clear your mind and refresh your energy.

However, if you do not know where you are going, you can end up lost.  You might lose a bit of time trying to find your way out.  You might end up getting hurt by not knowing the terrain.  You might even face terrible danger if you run across the wrong animal or snake.

These days we have the luxury of cellphones when we are in a bind.  You can call for help and find the way out.

Similarly, there are many people who are lost in the woulds.

Many people know what they ought to do, but do not do it.  Instead, they make excuses.

I would get healthy, but I do not want to give up my snacks or my routine.

I would vote, but I do not like dealing with those lines.

I would visit my hurting neighbor, but I do not want to give up my valuable Netflix time.

I would go to church, but I enjoy sleeping a little longer on Sundays.

I would make sure my kids are in church, but I have other things I want to do.

I would be involved in church, but I already have too many things on my plate.

I would invite people to church where they can find out about the hope of Jesus, but I am a little scared to say anything.

I would give to God through the church, but I am already stretched too thin.

The only way you can find your way out of the woulds is to know where you need to go (by keeping your eyes on Jesus) and following Jesus.  Otherwise, we are guilty of what we read in James 4:17: “So it is sin to know the good and yet not do it.”

Let us stop getting lost in the woulds (or the woods) and start following the right path.

Check out the following book for more insight into this…