On your journey, there are 'stones of stumbling' in your way. You long to walk uprightly before God but the road upon which you travel diverts your attention away from Him. Instead of keeping your eyes on Christ (who is 'the Author and Finisher of your faith), your focus shifts downward. You have surmised that watching your feet is in accordance with the discipline of a true believer. Not so ...
You have two choices.
1. Continue wrestling against temptation in your own strength, creating distance between you and God. Guilt and shame cripple your relationship with Him because your walk of faith lacks the very thing that keeps you from falling ... a steadfast belief in His abiding 'love'. Your efforts to obey fall short and your toes hurt from constant 'stubbing'.
or ...
2. Trust in Jesus' love for you and, in turn, your love for Him will blossom (We love Him because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19). Out of that intimacy come secure footfalls. Look upon the benevolent countenance in Christ's face, not your aching feet ... in Him, you find rest for your beleaguered soul.
Jesus replied, 'Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.' John 14:23-24
This is not a threat, but a wonderful truth. You might read these verses and think that for Christ to believe that you love Him, you must prove it by obeying Him. Not true; when, without condition, you receive His love, your love for Him automatically unfolds ... and in that intimacy, obedience for which you cannot claim credit takes place.
Don't focus on the road, pilgrim ... look up and trust Him.
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