Stepping Out of The Way

Stepping out of the way means truly allowing God to be in control. We often quickly say, “God I will follow You wherever You lead.” But, do we really know what we’re saying? Or, are we slipping into the world of Christian cliché, merely saying that because it’s the thing to do. I don’t think we start out saying things like that as a cliché, but at what point does it become a cliché?

Following After Christ

A follower of Christ, means stepping out of the way, in order to follow Christ. It seems simple enough, on paper, but how does one truly follow?

Jesus was always stepping out of the way. At the age of 12 He wanted to be in His Father’s house. But after His parents found Him, we’re told He went home with them and obeyed them. The result? “He grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52).

Think about that for a moment. The world tells us the more famous we are the more favor and influence we have. Jesus gives us the example of the total opposite. When we step out of the way, we gain wisdom, stature and favor with God and man. Which is better? Favor with just man, or favor with God and man? It’s worth noting growing in favor with God is first on the list in the verse.

The Example of Jesus

The world tells us to stand up for our rights and people will recognize us. The world tell us to climb the ladder of success and people will respect us. The example of Jesus tells us to step out of the way.

Jesus was recognized as the Son of God, when He stepped out of the way. Growing up as a child, He grew in favor, by obeying His parents. In the wilderness, tempted by Satan, He was recognized as the Son when He refused to cave to the shiny things of the world offered to Him by the enemy. At His baptism, He was recognized as the Son, when He stepped out of the way and was baptized by John. On the cross, He was recognized as the Son when He stepped out of the way, and willingly gave up His life.

Following after Christ means stepping out of the way. Only when we step out of the way, do we find true peace and favor.

Just a guy on a journey,

Rus