"Crossroads"

 

“Crossroads”

 

In 1955-1957 ABC aired 78 episodes of “Crossroads”, a real life drama of (in the words of the narrator) “actual experiences of American clergymen”. As a middle schooler (junior higher in those days) I remember watching these shows but never realized that I might be faced with similar crises. The title suggests that the pastors, priests and rabbis whose stories were told might reach a time in their ministries when a life-altering decision had to be made with far-reaching impacts.

The series has largely been forgotten in TV annals but the concept of reaching a critical juncture in our life journey remains—in fact, it goes back to the earliest days of human history. Adam and Eve were at a crossroads in Genesis 3 and their taking the way of disobedience plunged the world into sin which has affected every one of their descendants (“There is not a single person in all the earth who is always good and never sins.”—Ecclesiastes 7:20, NLT). In contrast, at the end of his life Joshua challenged the Jewish people to make a choice between following the false gods of the nations around them or the true God of Israel and announced his decision: “…As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15). Others who stood at such a point in their lives include Lot (Genesis 13:10-13), Moses (Hebrews 11:24-25), the Jews (Matthew 27:15-23) and Paul (Acts 16:6-10). Their stories illustrate that those who act wisely are blessed by God and those who make unwise decisions pay heavy prices.

As we live day by day we face many situations—some we might see as insignificant, others major—which carry the potential of changing our life’s course. God spoke words of warning to His rebellious people through His prophet then said to them, “This is the way; walk in it.” (Isaiah 30:21), Some eight centuries later He commands Christ’s followers (including us), “…Walk in wisdom….” (Colossians 4:5). To help us obey this admonition He’s given us His Word (Psalm 119:105); His Holy Spirit (Acts 13:2-3); discernment (1 Corinthians 2:12-14); godly counsel from trusted believers (Proverbs 15:22); our own life circumstances (Proverbs 6:20-22); the experiences of others (1 Corinthians 10:11). (See Y.B.H. for more references to help on this journey.)

Life’s crossroads are opportunities to put our faith into action (see Hebrews 11 for many examples of how this can be done). Remember, “,,,Without faith it is impossible to please God….” (Hebrews 11:6). Will we choose to “…live by believing and not by seeing.” (2 Corinthians 5:7, NLT)?

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan