Serving with a group of students, I was picking up trash from the grounds of a home when I found a set of three sturdy brick steps. An ordinary set of stairs in every way, but they led nowhere. Climbing to the top simply led to the plank siding of the old, worn house.
So often we think of spiritual growth in terms of significant events or big transitions—whether in our lives or in our hearts. In doing so, we divorce ourselves from the real impact of everyday decisions. Small is significant, whether for good or evil. Solomon reminds us that the fruitfulness of our lives can be deeply affected by “little foxes” (Song of Solomon 2:15), and Jesus spoke of the immeasurable impact of mustard-seed moments in His kingdom (Luke 13:18-19).
Being strategic in our spiritual walk is all about seeking God and His will. It’s vital that we strive to remain obedient to Him and follow the lead of the Holy Spirit even in the “little” things. Working hard on whatever, making something happen, or passing time isn’t enough. We’re responsible for knowing and testing the worthiness of what we’re doing in life (1 Corinthians 3:12-14).
The temptation to squander—be it our money, our time, or our passion—is very real. We avoid building steps to nowhere by keeping our vision clear in our . . .
• worship (1 Corinthians 10:6-7)
• relationships (1 Corinthians 10:7-8)
• speech (1 Corinthians 10:9-10)
The important distinction in our decisions, though, is far greater than steps leading to a wall or a door. It’s the difference between living for those things that will wither and pass and choosing those that will remain forever (James 1:11-12; 1 Peter 1:22-25).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Acts 19:21-41
More:
Read Luke 12:23-34 and consider how God’s Word can help you assess the worthiness of the things that consume your time and attention.
Next:
What things that you have done turned out to be steps to nowhere? Considering each day as a step, what has God built into your life over the past year?
tom felten on November 6, 2013 at 9:11 am
Regina, this fall my local church began a renewed, collective pursuit of God by digging deeper into His Word. Each week we have “Growth Sheets” that are helping both individuals and families study the texts and topics for that week. When we come together on Sunday, we’ve already been saturated in His Word. The sermon builds on where we’ve already been heading. This is one way our congregation is striving to be more intentional in living out our vision to be, “Growing communities, rooted in God’s love and story, reaching out and restoring lives.” ODJ readers, what have you been doing to—as Regina has put it—”[live] for those things . . . that will remain forever”?
gillian on November 6, 2013 at 3:15 pm
I disagree with the viewpoint that there are steps in our life which lead to nowhere. I believe that God uses the times when we feel we may have failed as a time of learning and strengthening our faith. Nothing is wasted with God. I may not understand why things sometimes do not work out but if we are faithful to His calling, He can use these times for His glory.
regina franklin on November 6, 2013 at 4:17 pm
I agree that we serve a redemptive God and that we cannot judge how God is at work through our natural eyes. However, we still have to grapple with 1 Corinthians 3:15. Would not a work that is “burned up” be similar to building a set of stairs to nowhere?
winn collier on November 7, 2013 at 1:01 am
It’s a good reminder that not everything we do has equal value. Thanks.
mike wittmer on November 7, 2013 at 1:03 pm
Well, reading this reflection was a great investment for me! Thanks, Regina! Now I’m off to do something that counts.