APRIL 24, 2012
Cutting A Trail
Read: Proverbs 4:1-7
Hear, my children, the instruction of a father, and give attention to
know understanding. —Proverbs 4:1
The Native Americans of Michigan were the state’s first
highway route engineers. With few exceptions, Michigan’s
major highways follow the trails they cut through the
wilderness hundreds of years before the white man came.
A trail was 12-18 inches wide, and for safety the people
followed single file. Then pack horses followed these trails,
widening them. Later came wagons, and the trails became
dirt roads and then highways.
In a similar way, Solomon followed the trail of his father
and in turn paved the way for his sons and grandsons.
He did this by encouraging his sons to heed his instructions
just as he had followed the sound teaching of his father
(Prov. 4:4-5). So this father, giving his sons good practical
and spiritual counsel, was passing on what he had learned
from the boys’ grandfather, David, who was called a “man
after [God’s] own heart” (1 Sam. 13:14; Acts 13:22). The
younger generation of believers often learns best about
God from the family.
Our physical and spiritual children watch the path we’re
taking. As God’s men and women, let’s make certain we
cut a righteous, wise, and clear trail. Then if ongoing
generations choose to follow, the trail can become a
highway—an ongoing legacy to God’s glory.
Lord, as I walk my path of life,
Help my feet step straight and true;
That those who follow after me,
Will be tracking straight with You. —Egner
When we follow God, we blaze a trail
for those who would follow.
Source: Our Daily Bread 2012
