Robert Frost, one of my favorite poets to quote, is perhaps most known for the opening words of a poem which have been marked, borrowed or tagged to identify many other works of literature and art.
Two roads
diverged in the wood, and I –
I
took the one less traveled by;
…and
that has made all of the difference.
It is no secret or revelation that our choices not only make us who we are…they help, in some major or minor ways, to form and shape those around us. They also determine, to a certain extent, who and what we will not become. This fact, of course, creates that moment of crisis specifically for those of us supposedly entering that emotional black hole of “midlife.” All that we are, all that we are not – and some aspect of what others become – are impacted by the paths we take and what we choose to do on those paths.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119: 105)
The reference to the word of God as being a light and lamp in the Scriptures have several contexts.
It is the fourth purpose above that holds my interest in this particular reflection.
When discussing the aspects of effective decision-making, the issue of making choices between apparently ‘good’ options is almost always raised. In other words, when one is posed with making decisions as to the investment of time, money, energy or passion, there are often several options that will appear to have their own list of advantages. The question, then, is more refined than simply a matter of determining what is good vs. what is bad for us – and poses the more important issue of what is better.
Paul brings this up with candor in I Corinthians, when
speaking of the impact Jewish religious law still had on the activities of
Christians, as well as on their behavior toward each other. In chapter
The Greek word here translated “expedient” in the first verse is sunpheros – which literally means “to bring profit with it.” In other words, all things are allowable – but they don’t necessarily present the greatest benefit. If one were to divide up the translated word expedient, it would prove to mean “to free up one’s feet” – to remove hindrances in order to make their steps more deliberate, more firm. Furthermore, the word that has been translated “edify” – oikodomeo – literally means “to build upon or add to a structure, in order to make it more secure, strong, or stable.” In a metaphoric or spiritual context, this would refer to promoting one’s spiritual growth and development of character. These are the concerns behind discerning what is better; these are the considerations we should be giving when posed with choices that, while perhaps viable options, may not be equal in their potential for promoting our stability, our personal growth, our walk with the Lord, and our ability to impact others for their betterment as well.
Psalm 119 implies that the word and law of God acts as a dually-illuminating device. The lamp is for our feet – to keep their individual steps firm, solid, and clear of obstacles. The light, however, is for our path – and this plays out a very different function. This kind of lighting is provided for the view of what is ahead, for the future, for where our feet are meant to take us – and, possibly, to reveal some of what we can expect to find when we arrive. When our future – individual or corporate – is the issue at stake, we are pressed to lean more heavily on the word and promises of God for clear, indeed clearer, direction. The folly of depending solely on our ability to discern the circumstances in front of us is repeatedly warned against in the book of Proverbs, and with good reason. No matter how good our intentions, our perceptions, or our motivations – we cannot see all that is relevant to see ahead of us, unless there is a light being shone down on it…and that, from our Lord.
The roads – the paths – that we choose to take do make all the difference. The question is… where will they take us? What will we gain by taking one or the other? And what will we lose? Will that path be the best for us? Will it, in the end, bring us to a better place? And just as importantly, will it enable us to serve and interact with those in our lives more effectively? The responsibility for those answers lies on our shoulders; but thankfully, also within our grasp – if we are leaning on a source of light beyond ourselves to help reveal them.
And that remains the issue of paths… and the challenge of Frost’s two roads.