My son wanted to take a gap year after finishing school. I agreed, because I did two years army training after school and it was very good for me.

I did say he couldn’t just spend his days lying on the couch staring at screens. He had to work and try new things. So, he had a few different jobs and learnt a lot. It was not only important that he ticked the box of the things he liked, but also those that he didn’t.

His last work experience was with a friend of mine who installs solar panels at business premises. He returned from his first day and told us about what he had done. One of the things he had to do was take a diagram of an electrical panel and, following instructions, do the wiring. He had two days in which to do it.

He completed the project within a day after one question about two wires he was uncertain about. He was full of praise about the two seniors who showed him how to do it.

It’s very important to have people who can show you how things work in practice. You can study hard and do well at university or Technikon. Then you will probably think you know all there is to know, but after a few days in the world of work, you realise this is when the real classes start.

And it’s the same with our spiritual race. We need someone to show us the ropes. We may understand in theory how we should live in the world. We have a good idea of what is right and what is wrong, of good and bad, but when we’re in a rush and come to a fork in the road, you don’t always know which one to choose.

We continuously have to make choices. We face challenges all the time. We can’t see what will happen on the other side. We have to make a calculated, correct choice right now, but both options look right.

At times like these you need a good senior to show you the ropes. One who have already walked a bit through life and know about making choices and how to live right.

Fortunately, all of us who are called children of God have an excellent example in Jesus. He knows about hardship. He had to struggle through life step by step. But not for one moment did He take His eyes from God, and trusted Him all the way.

It’s time to take out and dust off our WWJD armbands and wear them on our wrists. Our older Brother wants to show us how to run our race here on earth. Come on, let’s run after Jesus. He will show us the right way:

²Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever.

Scripture
Hebrews 12:1-3

Reflection
What do your choices look like?
Who do you follow?
How can Jesus play a bigger role in your life?

Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you for showing us through Your life how to live and what should be important and less important. Please help me not to make my choices like the people around me, but how You did it. Amen.