During a trip to Israel, I stood in a field just outside of Bethlehem. Some movement to my left revealed a shepherd leading some sheep down a well- worn trail. The winding path was easy to see due to its constant use. As I think about that trail, a thought comes to mind. What trails am I consistently taking in life? There can be good ones—worshiping God, serving others. But there are also negative paths to follow—worshiping material things, living selfishly.

Paul prayed for the believers in Jesus in Philippi, that they would “understand what really matters” (Philippians 1:10). He wanted them to acquire a habit—a trail—that would lead them to a deeper relationship with God and others. What was this trail he wanted them to traverse? Love. “I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding” (v.9).

Did you catch those two key words at the end of verse 9? Knowledge and understanding can be acquired only if we are pursuing paths that lead to Jesus and His love. With that in mind, it’s interesting that the word trail originally meant the train of a robe. As we follow our Shepherd—being found in the train of His robe—we will be found in His love (Ephesians 4:8).

The trail of God’s love leads to lives that are:

• Pure and blameless (Phil. 1:10). Revealing habits that are wholesome and choices that positively influence others for Jesus.

• Righteous (v.11). Containing fruit from the Holy Spirit’s work within us.

Do the terms pure, blameless, and righteous describe the well-worn trails of your life? If not, it’s time to grasp Jesus’ train and acquire knowledge and understanding about what real love is all about.