Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go.

Joshua 1:7 (ESV)

Beep. Beep. Beep.

Okay, okay. I mumbled to myself, irritated at the car alert system.

Unintentionally, I had veered a smidgen to the right side of my lane, so I pulled the wheel back to center.

Moments later, I felt a firm tug on the steering wheel in the opposite direction. That is a weird sensation. Does my car have a mind of its own?

The built-in protection devices in new model vehicles unnerve me, but the benefits are apparent.

What keeps us on the straight and narrow road, spiritually? Godly wisdom is a factor as stated in Proverbs 4:27 (ESV), Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.

God’s word implores us to, “not turn aside from any of the words that I command you today, to the right hand or to the left,” (Deuteronomy 28:14 (ESV). God’s word guards us from falling prey to false teachers or idols.

Godly leaders speak to our hearts. And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left (Isaiah 30:21 ESV). The Holy Spirit convicts us and restrains us from dangerous paths. Walking alongside fellow believers encourages us to stay focused on God’s direction for us.

What other perils await us to the right or to the left? Legalism in one ditch and licentiousness in the other? Grace centers us. Truth or love, instead of truth in love? Evil? Foolishness?

When I ignore the annoying beeps or tugs of my steering wheel, the results could be disastrous.

May I keep Your Word, Heavenly Father, and be attentive as You warn me of danger..

Karen Sims