A Book Of Remembrance: Wisdom From The AgesSample

“To reach a distance of a thousand miles, one must take that first step.”

-Sun Tzu-

Sun Tzu, acclaimed philosopher, and author of “The Art of War,” knew very well that life is a journey. It is also a war in and of itself, and we can’t expect to get anywhere unless we take the plunge and begin with that first step. As you have hopefully seen during our short time together, we most definitely need God for every step of our voyage through life. We can’t do it without him.

When God speaks to your heart and calls you from your old life, it requires that we take a step. Today’s Bible verse teaches us exactly what that first step is in our Christian journey, the greatest war ever fought. (Which is already won!)

We first have to repent to God, which is simply turning away from our old ways, confessing our sins, and devoting ourselves to a life of humble obedience to Him. It’s a lot harder in practice, as I’m sure any Christian will tell you. Then, we must be baptized in the only name that can save us, Jesus Christ! (John 14:6) 

Once we take that first step, God promises to give us His Holy Spirit! It is God’s Spirit living in us that will fuel us with the staying power we need to make it to the end of our journey. That is the only way to live the abundant life God wants for us.

So, for today, let us renew our commitment to God. Let us confess any unforgiven sin and take that new first step back onto the lighted path of righteousness. If we haven’t done so yet, let us take that initial first step, accept Jesus into our hearts, and give our lives to him in humble submission. Let us allow God’s Spirit to dwell in us, so we can travel a thousand miles and beyond.