Scripture for Today: Ephesians 4:17 “So this I say and affirm together with the Lord that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk in the futility of their minds,”

Whether walking in the countryside or on paths in the vineyards, it can be so much  easier to walk in the ruts.  One does not have to think quite so much as the way is already in place.  There is less need to look down or to think about where to place that next step.  The thinking of elderly people who suffer from Alzheimer’s or severe dementia often follow comfortable and familiar ruts.  Perhaps the strain of thinking is lessened when following a familiar thought pattern.  When the subject is sweet and light one does not mind it so much.  It is when the “thinking rut” is painful or false that life becomes so difficult for the caretaker.

Our verse for today tells us to walk differently from Gentiles, or non-believers.  Their minds are futile because their understanding is darkened.  They are separated from the life of God because they are following ruts of thinking that lead away from Him.  Without realizing it, they are following a well-worn path that many others have forged before them.  It takes less conscious thought to follow the rut, even though their way becomes progressively darker and further from God.

In contrast, those who belong to the Lord are walking differently.  We are walking by faith that takes conscious thought and careful stepping.  I do not blindly follow the rut before me.  A new and more exciting path is forged with His guidance!  With a new way of thinking, I can climb out of that rut and walk in a way that pleases Him!

Thank you Lord, that walking by faith keeps me out of those ruts!