Read: Matthew 22:34-40
He leads me in paths of righteousness. (Psalm 23:3b)
To live right physically, I need to keep moving. Exercise is good for my health, but for sheep, movement is absolutely necessary. Sheep can ruin the ground where they graze if they stay still too long, and become susceptible to more parasites. That’s where the shepherd comes in, guiding them in right paths to keep them healthy. Like sheep, you and I need someone to follow too, to show us how to live right.
Righteousness in its most basic meaning implies right living with God and with others. Our reading today tells us how. The first and greatest commandment tells us how to live right by loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind. Jesus added a second commandment like the first: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If we love God, we will treat others rightly. We will help the poor and the vulnerable. We will speak up for justice where there is no justice. We will respect others even when we disagree with them. We will love people like God loves them. That is a righteous path. Are you walking in righteousness? Is your love for God reflected in how you love others?
Jesus will lead us on this path of righteousness, the way of right living. But the question for us is, will you and I follow Jesus and trust him to lead you in this way of walking this new year? Let’s follow Jesus and walk with him in paths of righteousness today.
As you pray, walk in righteousness as you obey the greatest commandment.
Nancy Boote, an ordained minister in the Reformed Church in America, lives in Holland, Michigan, with her husband. She serves in a variety of leadership positions within the denomination. Besides being a wife, mother, and grandmother, Nancy enjoys taking prayer walks, hiking in nature, mentoring, and has a heart for justice matters.
