April 20, 2018

All the Paths of the Lord

—Psalm 25:8-10

If it is the humble that God leads in the right direction, then is it possible to extrapolate? Can we assume that those who are characterized by extreme pride—those who utterly reject humility—are being led astray? The real problem here, of course, is that the proud often end up in positions of leadership and are endowed with the power to lead others (sometimes entire nations!) along the wrong path.

Those who genuinely pray to be led down what Psalm 23 calls the paths of righteousness cannot simply be silent bystanders as many so-called Christians endorse both prideful disobedience and complete disregard for the downtrodden. Whether anyone will listen or not, we are called to bear witness to the Crucified One who was willing to pay the price rather than place himself above God's own word.

Forgive my silent complicity in my nation's situation, O God: teach me both humility and courage, and show me how the two are not mutually exclusive; in Jesus' Name. Amen.