Taking the Next Step
This title has an inherent implication that is often overlooked. No one can take the next step without first taking an initial step. All too often steps are overlooked or the attempt is made to by-pass some steps intentionally. We are witnessing a generation that has been influenced to assume they can simply ignore some steps. It is not normal for one in any profession or undertaking to start at the top—or end, depending on what is involved. Normally, everyone usually starts at the beginning and works their way up. Whenever this happens, if it is to happen, it requires steps. Steps are a part of life and are required in every aspect of life. Steps are important because there are lessons to learn with every step. Many people suffer because they have failed to learn the lessons associated with every aspect of life. No one can bypass the steps of life and succeed without challenges along the way. Every lesson is important and is used as preparation for the next step ahead.
In our last blog the topic was “Possessing the Mind of Christ.” This topic is demanding all by itself and requires much from the believer if he or she is to complete the race. Another way to apply this to our topic is to think about it in the context of following Jesus. No one can possess the mind of Christ withou following Jesus. Of course, to follow Jesus requires duplicating His steps and imitating His life. Imitating Jesus is no small undertaking. Jesus illustrated the cost of this undertaking be duplicating the steps ordained by His Father. Simply put, Jesus had to walk in His Father’s steps. This was an unbelievable undertaking because there was no room for a mistake. The Bible confirms this challenge in Heb. 4:15. “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” This undertaking cannot be underestimated because all of us know that when it comes to obedience we usually miss some steps.
The life of Jesus must be examined if one is to seriously take the next step in follwing Jesus. Even His own disciples found this to be difficult. Like the disciples, each one of us also struggle with staying in line when it comes to following. Following cannot be accomplished without assistance. The Psalmnist summarized the difficulty of this challenge in the 119th number of the Psalms. Verse 133 reads: “Order my steps in Thy word; and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.” One of the reasons this endeavor is so difficult is because each step must be according to the Word of the Lord. God’s Word is true, but demanding. The first thing that Jesus communicated to His disciples was to follow Him. This simply meant that everywhere Jesus went they had to literally follow. Although this is not the context in which one follows today, it remains the methodology required by God. No steps can be missed when it comes to following Jesus. Every lesson is important when it involves taking the next step. The fathers and mothers always said that ‘if one forgets where he or she has come from they will often become confused about where they are going.’
The implication here is critical. One must be discerning of the fact that when it comes to steps, the next step is always built on the previous step. This means that steps are often connected. There must be an understanding of this reality if one is to be successful in making it to the top. We often don’t want to think about the fact that people have been known to fall down the steps. In some cases, individuals have tripped on their way up the stairs. This is usually the result of failing to adequately prepare for the next step. When climbing steps, one must be intentionally focused. More mistakes can be made on the way up than on the way down. Spiritually speaking, the goal of stepping is to finish the race. From a spiritual point of view, how one runs the race is as important as how one finishes the race. Every step is important and no step can be ignored. In fact, one step can make an eternal difference in the race itself. Therefore, each one involved in the race of life must take each step seriously. May each one of us make each step count, and may the Word of God be our guide.
In His Service,
Clarence V. Boyd, Jr.
Senior Pastor