Saturday 19 May 2012

Boy Scout Walking

Like many young New Zealanders I was a Scout. You know, the Baden Powell 'Be Prepared' type. I clearly recall learning how to walk a straight line. You line up some object, normally a tree, spire etc, fix your gaze upon it, and walk towards it ensuring that you never look to either side or down at your feet. Follow that advice and look back once you reach the object. Your footprints will be roughly in a straight line. Therein is the big secret of Christian Life. You must fix your gaze upon Christ and walk directly towards Him. Do not look to either side nor up nor down. Look else where, and you will wander from the straight and narrow. So, I've wandered off the straight and narrow. How do I get back? When I left St Columba's Church in Napier, to live in Masterton, the Communications Committee presented me with a book as a going away gift. That book shows how to get back on the straight line. It is 'Finding our way Again' by Brian McLaren and is part of The Ancient Practice Series published by Thomas Nelson. This is a book I whole-heartedly recommend. It does not matter really whether you have wandered off the path or not. It is an amazing book that will ensure you examine your current practices and help you find meaning in your spiritual life.


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