What does it mean to "turn aside neither right nor left" today? Walking the Straight Road—Joshua 1:7 “Only be strong and very courageous. Be careful to do all the law that My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may prosper wherever you go.” What “Turning Aside” Looked Like Then • A literal picture: marching forward in the desert toward Canaan without veering off. • A covenant demand: unwavering obedience to God’s revealed commands. • A safeguard: avoiding pagan practices on either side of Israel’s journey (Deuteronomy 5:32; 17:20; Joshua 23:6). What It Means for Us Today • Single-minded loyalty to God’s Word—no editing, soft-peddling, or adding to it. • Rejecting moral relativism on one side and rigid legalism on the other. • Staying centered on Christ, “the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). • Living out a faith that is both orthodox (right belief) and obedient (right practice). Right-Hand Ditches to Avoid • Legalism—keeping rules without heart (Matthew 23:23). • Prideful self-reliance—trusting discipline instead of grace (Galatians 3:3). • Cold orthodoxy—sound doctrine minus love (Revelation 2:4). Left-Hand Ditches to Avoid • Compromise with cultural sin—calling evil good (Isaiah 5:20). • Selective obedience—picking verses that suit us (Jeremiah 6:16–17). • License—using grace as a permit for sin (Jude 4). How to Stay in the Center of the Road • Daily Scripture intake: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105). • Prayerful dependence: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6). • Spirit-led obedience: “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16). • Accountable fellowship: “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:24). • Fixing eyes on Jesus: “Let us run with endurance… fixing our eyes on Jesus.” (Hebrews 12:1-2). Why It Matters • Prosperity in God’s terms—fruitful, Spirit-empowered living (Joshua 1:7-8; John 15:5). • Clear witness—shining as lights in a crooked generation (Philippians 2:15). • Assured direction—hearing the voice behind you: “This is the way; walk in it.” (Isaiah 30:21). • Final reward—“Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:23). Conclusion To “turn aside neither right nor left” means holding fast to the full counsel of God, refusing both the excesses of legalism and the allure of compromise. By Scripture, Spirit, and steadfast focus on Christ, we keep our feet on the straight road that leads to life. |
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