Righteous Footsteps
My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways.
– Proverbs 23:26 (CSB)
My dad took my young nephew hunting one snowy day. It rarely snows here in the south, and Daddy thought it would be a good time to follow animal tracks. Dad carried the rifle and had shared with his grandson proper gun safety while hunting. Andy listened and understood as best he could, nodding his head. Dad walked ahead but became impatient with Andy’s slower stride.
“I’m trying to walk in your footprints,” Andy explained as he leaped from one depression in the deep snow to the next. Dad smiled to himself, realizing the weight of Andy’s words. He realized teaching gun safety is only a small part of leaving footprints for living a life that would be pleasing to God.
Dads and granddads, try to walk in the way you’d want your children to follow. They are listening and watching even though you think they aren’t aware. Snow and sand give up their footprints quickly, but the footprints on our hearts are for keeps. The bad ones last just as long as the good. With God’s help we can leave more good prints than bad, even if we turn to God after our example has been less than desirable in the past. It’s never too late to turn to God. He will guide your steps and help you be a better example to your children and grandchildren. Be a living legacy of righteousness as you follow your Heavenly Father’s footprints.
Grandchildren are the crown of the elderly, and the pride of children is their fathers. (Proverbs 17:6, CSB)
Questions for Reflection:
1. Would you be proud to have your child follow your footsteps? If not, how can you change the direction of those footsteps?
2. Are you following God’s footsteps?
3. What would it look like if you had followed your parents’ footsteps?
