Step Away To Step Toward

Step Away to Step Toward

You’re cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and his way. And do you suppose God doesn’t care? The proverb has it that “he’s a fiercely jealous lover.” And what he gives in love is far better than anything else you’ll find. It’s common knowledge that “God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble.”

James 4:4-6 (THE MESSAGE)

In 1972, the United States Supreme Court ruled that the Amish could not be forced to attend public high schools and sanctioned the Amish system of one-room schoolhouses. The Amish feel this is important because bookwork is only half of the learning that is needed for life.

During the school years Amish youth also spend time on the farm, and after the eighth grade young men learn a trade, while young women learn to care for a home. To the outside world the Amish are sheltered—in their homes and in their one-room schoolhouses. We only think they’re “missing out” because we put value on other things, such as knowledge, possessions, and life experiences.

In truth we appreciate what we learn to value, and the more we put up boundaries between the world and ourselves, the more we appreciate the simple things in life. The further we walk away from what the world has to offer, the less we miss it.

Sometimes we may wish we could become Amish to shelter our children, but each of us can be more diligent about blocking outside influences. Even though we’re careful, we can be more careful. Even though we watch our tongues to keep from saying wrong things, we must also remember to speak life and hope to our children.

The more you strive to set yourself apart, the more joy you’ll find. Matthew 5:6 says, “God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.” What could be more worthwhile than that in saying “back off” to the world?

Dear heavenly Father, sometimes I forget that You are a jealous God and that You care when I’m flirting with the desire for pride, possessions, and power. Help me to step away from those things because that will mean I’m stepping toward You.