Proximity Matters

My son always lags behind. My daughter always darts ahead. It is just in their design.

My son has never been quick about anything. He is tentative, cautious, and never too adventurous. When he was younger and I held his hand, we always walked at a slow pace. There was just no hurrying him along. Even now, he is always several steps behind our family-no matter where we go.

While my son is hesitant to try new things, my daughter is a risk taker. She is carefree, brave, and bold. She embraces life with enthusiasm and would prefer a fast pace. She wants to experience it all. Over the years, there have been many times I have felt the need to rein her in.

As a mother, I want them close to me. Not in front or behind, but beside me. When they are by my side, I can provide protection. I can lead and guide them and prevent them from stumbling. I can do this best when they are next to me. Proximity matters.

In Scripture, salvation is often portrayed as a pathway. Consider the following verses:

Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God, my Savior… -Psalm 25:4

Small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. –Matthew 7:14

Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men…who leave the straight paths to walk in dark ways. -Proverbs 2:12, 13

I have committed to walking with Christ. I understand the path is narrow. Experience has taught me that it is less traveled. I am determined to walk with Christ until He calls me home. But, I am learning that proximity matters. As I reflect on my journey thus far, I can see times when I have lagged behind or darted ahead. Here are some examples:

• God convicts me and requests a deeper consecration from me. I drag my feet and lag behind.

• I become impatient with God or I don’t fully comprehend His plan. I forge ahead on my own.

• I plod along in self pity, just barely keeping up as He leads me on.

• In excitement, I throw all caution to the wind and rush in without prayer.

• I hold to an offense, unable to forgive, and I dig in my heels and refuse to move forward.

During these times, although I am still on the right path, my proximity matters. God wants me close to Him. Not in front or behind, but right beside Him. It is there I find protection and guidance. When I walk beside Him, I am less likely to stumble. But if I do when I fall I simply fall into Him. He is that close.

What about you? What is your tendency? Are you more likely to lag behind or dart ahead? Maybe you’re like me and it all depends on your circumstances. Today, take a moment for reflection. Think about the areas of your life and determine where you are in proximity to Christ.