Look Where You Are Going! Series

Look Where You’re Going

The Path Series, Week 5

CCCAG October 31st, 2021

Scripture- Proverbs 4:25-27 (a lot more proverbs)

Today is Week 5 of 6 of our journey through what the biblical book of Proverbs has to say about the path we are on in life.

29 times, the book of Proverbs mentions the path or paths we are on.

Here are just a few. In Proverbs 1:15, Solomon is warning us about buddying up to people with questionable morals: My son, do not go along with them, do not set foot on their paths. That’s the path we don’t want to take.

In Proverbs 2:9, Solomon talks about following the way of wisdom: Then you will understand what is right and just and fair – every good path. Those are the paths we do want to take.

A few weeks ago, we studied Proverbs 3:6: In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.

In Proverbs 4:26, he adds a nuance or supplemental principle to the principle we’ve been learning so far: Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm.

If you’ve been with us for all or most of the series, you know that the principles that are true in geography are equally true in all of life. Those principles are:

A. The Principle of the Path:

Your direction determines your destination.

This morning though I want to build a bit on that thought and add a qualifier to that statement.

One slight modification that I think you’ll agree is very true—What gets your attention determines your direction and, ultimately, your destination.

B. The Principle of Focus:

Your attention determines your direction.

Let me illustrate this a little for us.

How many people have a cell phone today?

Not long ago, almost every state in the nation passed laws prohibiting people from talking on cellphones without some sort of hands-free device.

Why?

Because they knew that if a person is staring at their phone, giving more attention to it than to the road, there’s a good chance they’ll steer themselves OFF the road, or maybe steer themselves into somebody else on the road. What you give your attention to will determine your direction.

And your direction will determine your destination.

Solomon taught it to us 3,000 years ago in the book of Proverbs.

Here’s his whole statement on attention.

Proverbs 4:25-27

25 Let your eyes look straight ahead,

fix your gaze directly before you.

26 Make level paths for your feet

and take only ways that are firm.

27 Do not swerve to the right or the left;

keep your foot from evil.

Prayer

Let’s explore this principle a bit more.

Another way of saying this scripture is what we have been saying for the last few minutes-

“Our destination is determined by our direction, and our direction is dictated by whatever holds our attention.”

Today we are going to be getting to the heart of the matter when it comes to our journeying down the path that God has for us.

When I say the heart of the matter, I’m being very literal here- we will be looking at the source of what choses our paths for us- our hearts and it’s desires.

Our hearts determine what we give our attention to.

The things that capture your attention will influence your direction.

An example-

Most of us travel the interstate from time to time. Have you ever been on the road for a long period of time, and you fall into that daze you get when you have been driving a long time.

You’re relaxed, no particular need at that moment, just listening to the radio, and driving comfortably down the road enjoying the trip.

You notice a sign up ahead, and its advertising that there is a McDonald’s at the next exit.

All of the sudden, feel hungry. You were not hungry a minute ago, but now that sigh has your attention, and you signal to get off at the exit for a Big Mac Meal.

Another way God gives us signs that grab our attention through the events of our lives. In 2012, I suffered a major knee injury. The doctor told me when he read the MRI report that my days of being a paramedic or a firefighter were over, and I would have to retrain for a different type of work.

I was pretty adamant about coming back to full duty in a few months, and got the surgery and I was back on the truck in 3 months. But God showed me that those days were numbered, and I’d have to start thinking about a new secular career to help support the ministry one.

Hence, nursing school.

That sign influenced my direction in life.