Footprints on the Road of Honor
- Ann Abbott
- Apr 21, 2016
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 16
The first steps of a baby are always moments of delight for the parents and grandparents as they watch their little one growing in strength and confidence, and walking on his own. Each attempt is applauded and encouraged, and the little one is spurred on by the praise and attention he receives! The journey of his life truly beginning with those first few steps.
It isn’t long before he is attempting to walk in his mom or dad’s shoes. Having an innate need to imitate those around him, he is always watching and learning from those caring for him. We are created to do just that, to learn from others who have gone before us. We all inherently follow someone, following their example either directly or indirectly.
Recently, the children of our church put on a musical about Daniel. He is one of my favorite characters in the Bible, and the story of his life is one packed with drama. As a young man, he was selected as one of the “cream of the crop” (see Daniel 1: 3-4). Along with a few others like him, he was taken to Babylon to be in the king’s court. The years that followed show us how his character, integrity, courage and faith never wavered! He truly was an example of a man of honor.
The picture selected for this entry is significant in many ways. It illustrates a road that may have been made centuries ago, before the current methods of asphalt etc. Its longevity also implies that many people walked this road; numerous footsteps trod these rough stones. Its roughness suggests that when walking on it, it would be easy to stumble or trip; that its traveler could easily experience injury.
When considering the idea of following in the footsteps of others, I was reminded that depth of character and virtue usually comes with some pain. Each challenge we face in our lives is simply another dilemma that demands a decision. I wrote about this previously, in “High Road of Integrity”, that these dilemmas give us an opportunity to decide a course of action. Our ultimate example is the Lord! Jesus came to show us the way to live, to interact, to have a life of purpose and fulfillment. As His children, our heavenly Father looks down even more lovingly than any earthly parent can; watching the steps we take or the tumbles we experience. We read in His word how He fervently loves, encourages, or instructs us. Let us take this road of honor, following the One who leaves footprints for us to follow!
See Psalms 139:1 -24, Matthew 6:25-34, Luke 15:1-32, I John 3:1-3. These are just a few references that show God’s love for us, and His concern for us on this journey of life.
