I was after a short hike, just a couple of miles, when the path crossed a dirt road in the middle of the forest. It ran straight and for the most part level as it disappeared in the distance. Even for a short hike I had made good time so I took advantage of the opportunity to add some easy miles. As I headed off the road eventually began to rise. I had not gone too far so I decided to walk to the top of the hill and then turn around. The road was no longer straight, but began to curve as it climbed into the hills. I followed, and followed and followed. At one point I was ready to turn around, thinking I had finally struck the top – but as I got nearer the climb was just less steep, and continued still. Finally, a mile later I reached the top where the road leveled flat and continued.
All that work left me with even more work as I had to descend. Going down hill sounds easy, until you actually walk it. Especially in the steep parts you fight to control your descent and after a short distance you feel it in your knees and legs. And I had a mile. Finally I got to the bottom. What waited was what initially drew me. A long, flat stretch through the woods with trees towering over the road creating a canopy with a stream emerging from the hills and following along the road. There were no noises except the fall of my feet and the sounds of birds and squirrels in the trees.
Proverbs discusses the phenomenon of a straight path.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
As a pastor, the harsh truth is too often I rely on my understanding, the understanding of denominational leaders, of pastors whose churches run higher numbers and for others who are eloquent with words and write books that are enjoyable to read. So many Christian leaders have wandered so far from the Word of God as an authority and place to put trust that the paths we walk daily are no longer straight. We work so hard at programs, number building, facility upkeep, public image and more – and our lives show it. The majority of pastor’s struggle. Incredibly. I know, because I have and I do too.
Yet God has provided this promise. That if I place my trust in Him. If I rely on His understanding instead of my own. If I acknowledge Him in everything – then my paths will become straight.
God does not desire me to be so busy with life I chase after endless hills of my own making. Instead, as we rely on Him more and more, we and all we do are less, and He and all He does is more. I needed the reminder that it is God’s desire for me to enjoy that level, straight path. I am working to have this better reflected in my relationships, my health and in my ministry.
The Lazy Pastor 