FEBRUARY 17, Psalm 23:3

John told his classmates excitedly that he found a good way to climb under the school gate if they wanted to leave school during recess time to buy ice cream at the kids’ favourite store. They liked this store as the seller was friendly and had a wide variety of very affordable ice cream.

As they were talking excitedly, Su Ling came along. Overhearing the conversation, she said, “We must not do that. Our teachers and parents have told us that it is dangerous to leave school on our own during school hours. What if something happens to us?” The children laughed, and called Su Ling unkind names. Su Ling put up a brave smile, and then continued her way, praying to God to give her continued courage to speak the truth.

What was John doing? He was leading the other children along a path of wrongdoing. It is not right to leave school during recess time.

What Su Ling did was right. She was brave enough to stand up to John, and to try to convince the others not to follow John’s suggestion. Although the children rejected her idea, she was not offended. Instead, she prayed to God for more courage and strength. She was also careful not to appear proud, or to be a “know-it-all”.

That is what Jesus is – the Wonderful Saviour. “He restoreth my soul; he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake” (Psalm 23:3). Jesus will lead us to paths of righteousness. He does not physically lead us along a physical path, but He leads us through the Bible and the many lessons we learn from it.

Sometimes, Jesus uses people like Su Ling to lead us. Are there any Su Lings in your life? Or perhaps, do you dare to be a Su Ling? Do you stand up and dare to be different and encourage others along the paths of righteousness?

Righteousness is not following some monastic lifestyle, but it is about living our lives the way Jesus wants us to. It is to think and do the “right” things. It is to live as if Jesus is next to us, and He will be pleased to see how we live our lives.

Thought: How wonderful it is that Jesus leads me in paths of righteousness.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach me to dare to walk in the paths of righteousness and to encourage others to do so too! Even if others laugh at me, please give me courage to do the right thing. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.