Devotionals

Teach me your ways

by Susan Barnes 
01/01/18
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"Show your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths." Psalm 25:4

Twelve-step programs have become a recognized way of changing troublesome behavior. Initially the program was for alcoholics but now it is being used with people who have any sort of compulsive or additive behavior, with much success. Perhaps that's because it was originally written by a Christian, though in recent times it has moved away from this base. The promoters of these programs guarantee recovery if people stick with the steps.

When we look at the beatitudes as recorded in Matthew 5:3-10, we see Jesus' 8-step program that guarantees God's blessing. Not meaning a life without difficulties but rather a life that shows God’s favor. God intends us to be recipients of his abundant grace, yet this requires us to develop godly attitudes.

David, in the above verse, and Moses both ask God to teach them his ways, "If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you” (Exodus 33:3). In the beatitudes God has shown us his ways.

As we look at different characters in the Bible, people like Abraham, Jacob, Joseph as well as people we know, we see that these attitudes take time to develop. The same is true for us and at times it may seem impossible to adhere to Jesus’ 8-step program. Yet, these are attitudes of the heart and God has promised, "I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees" (Ezekiel 36:27).

God will move us toward having better attitudes, as we seek to walk in his ways.