I love a good hike—especially in the fall! The leaves that provided the shade so desperately needed in the summer heat lay fallen making an excellent crunch beneath my feet. But it also becomes more difficult to stay on the path. I can’t easily see the worn ground trampled by the many feet of animals and hikers long before me. What always saves the day are the trees that have been marked laying out the best routes to help hikers, like me, navigate the trail. But if my eyes aren’t looking for these markers, I could easily find myself in danger or lost.

On a hike wandering off-grid can be intentional. Guilty as charged! I am one of those hikers who wants to explore the potential of a good un-marked detour. Some of the best mountain views I’ve seen have been discovered that way, but my wonder of ‘what else could be out there’ has led me to places where the only way out was to turn around.

In-kind, there is a way that God has laid out for us that leads to flourishing and blessing, but we are prone to wander off that path. He set markers such as “Do not commit adultery” to help guide our steps toward the good life that is found in His ways. The sin of lust can lead to ‘what else could be out there’ and we wander onto paths that are destructive to many lives. While the consequences of the detour can’t be avoided, there is always the opportunity to turn around.

If you find yourself wandering down paths on the internet, television, or even in literature that are bringing temptation, make a drastic change—NOW! Please delete the account, television, or library card and tell someone about it. Have someone look you in the eye, hold you accountable, and walk with you toward healing and wholeness. And if you’ve already stepped into sin, it’s never too late to pursue the freedom that confession brings to your soul. If we can help you with that, reach out. Our Care & Counseling Department is here to help. Visit www.efcc.org/need-help/ and find someone full of the love of Jesus and equipped for the journey.

Jessica Klootwyk
Discipleship Director

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