Unlike today's maintained highways, the road to Bethlehem from The East probably was paved more with dung than asphalt. Assuming that's true, then watching where one walked was a strategic consideration. Furthermore I imagine that camel drivers parked their beasts carefully, equally conscious of where their feet would land. Even in pursuit of the promised Messiah it was necessary to ponder one's path.
Then there was the manager, the cave that housed the cradle. Surrounded by animals, Mary and Joseph probably tread gingerly as well as softly. Along with the warmth of the animals lay the evidence of their presence. Watching where one walked was just part of life.
Today's article was spurred by a Linkedin discussion, the first one I've really been part of. The question presented went like this: Should Christians allow people to walk over them and when does one draw the line? It's been a lively discourse but the common thread seems to be that there is a definite need to display grace, love, and forgiveness but, as one participant said: "I believe that we don't need to be walked over as Christians and that I believe God does not expect us to allow it either".
In light of this I've pondered a number of Scriptures this week. Here are a few of their injunctions: walk in love, walk in faith, walk circumspectly [carefully], and walk in newness of life [i.e. in a way that honours God]. We're also warned against walking in ways that deliberately offend, in ways that are less than honest nor in ways that use the Scriptures "deceitfully". The Christmas story is far more than a romantic, once a year story of a baby. It's a lesson in how to walk well.
" as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them"
