Learning The Path – A Dicipleship Guide.

Learning The Path – A Discipleship Guide…

It’s fascinating how delving into the original Hebrew can illuminate the depth of scripture. The idea of “khanak,” meaning “to narrow,” certainly adds a powerful dimension to Proverbs 22:6.

It shifts the focus from simply teaching to actively guiding and protecting, creating boundaries that lead a child, and indeed ourselves, toward righteousness.

Thinking about “narrowing the way” for a child resonates with the responsibility parents and caregivers have to shield young hearts and minds from negative influences. It’s not about being overly restrictive, but rather about thoughtfully curating their experiences and gently steering them towards what is good and true. This active guidance, this intentional narrowing, can indeed pave a straighter path for their development.

And the application to our own lives as disciples is equally compelling. If we desire to walk closely with the Lord, we must also “khanak” ourselves. This involves a conscious effort to narrow our focus, to filter our thoughts and desires, and to intentionally direct our gaze towards God. It’s about setting boundaries for our own hearts and minds, protecting ourselves from distractions and temptations that would lead us astray.

Just as a well-tended path guides a traveler, so too does a narrowed way keep us aligned with God’s will.

Let us then, with intention, narrow our way today. Let us be mindful of the paths we tread and the influences we allow into our lives, both for ourselves and for those we guide.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the wisdom found in Your Word and for the deeper understanding that comes from exploring its original language. We pray for the discernment to know how to “khanak” the way for those under our care, to guide them with love and intention towards Your light. And we ask for Your strength and grace as we seek to “khanak” our own paths, to narrow our focus on You, to purify our hearts and minds, and to walk steadfastly in Your ways. May our lives be a testament to Your guidance and our hearts ever drawn closer to You. Amen.

When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die. This powerful quote reminds us that true discipleship often involves a narrowing of our own desires and a willingness to surrender to God’s will, embracing the sometimes challenging but ultimately life-giving narrow path He sets before us.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼