The Right Path
by Tracy Young

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have all turned to our own way,
and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

~ Isaiah 53:6

Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths.

~ Psalm 25:4

How very easy, natural, and almost automatic it is for us to "turn to our own way," as opposed to seeking out God's way. And probably all too often we assume our way is God's way, because, after all, we're right!

Certainly, there are brothers and sisters among us who are gifted at practicing humility, subduing their own egos, and encountering others with gentleness and grace. But for many of us, "our ways" have an almost irresistible pull, and going astray onto our own paths often leads to conflict, to anger, even to destruction.

The good news is that we aren't captive to our own ways: CRWRC partner Ecumenical Commission for Justice and Peace (ECJP) in Nigeria has seen firsthand what can happen when we stop reverting to our ways, and instead work to discern the paths God would have us take. John Orkar, CRWRC staff in Nigeria, relates this powerful story: 

CRWRC through ECJP has been empowering communities towards peaceful coexistence. The traditional and religious institutions in the communities where ECJP is working have had opportunities to learn more skills in peace building in the past three years aimed at helping to resolve community conflicts and improve relationships. This was manifested recently when some youth at Achigbe in Mbaya community had a misunderstanding with their friends in a neighboring village. The problem was brought under control with the skills acquired by the traditional and community leaders.

Trouble started when the youth in the neighboring village filled a pot-hole and started collecting unauthorized tolls on a road that was improved through community efforts of Achigbe community people. Youth from Achigbe community thought it was unwise for their peers to be collecting such tolls. Achigbe community youth confronted their peers in the neighboring community and that resulted in a fight. The fight almost expanded to involve the entire community if not for the timely intervention of the traditional and community leaders which saved the situation from escalating. Both communities met and all agreed to restrain their youth from fighting. In the past, each community could have gone back to mobilize and steer their youth to fight back. The two communities not only stopped a fight that could have resulted in severe damage to lives and property but also resolved to always come together for meaningful dialogue whenever there is a misunderstanding amongst their people. The two communities are now seeing more reasons to seek peace instead of fighting and destroying themselves and what God has given for common use.

Like sheep, we wander astray, missing the paths of the Lord, paths of peace and peacemaking, of justice and mercy. We get ourselves more and more lost, further and further from where we are supposed to be. But our Advent waiting is for one who knows the paths. It is for one who can seek us out, even though we've gone so far off track, and lead us in the right direction. 

The Shepherd is coming!

Prayer
Make known to us your ways, O Lord, teach us your paths. Show us the ways that make for peace, and when we begin to go astray, show us the Shepherd, so that we may find our way back.

Pursue Peace
CRWRC partners with groups like ECJP that teach conflict resolution, peacebuilding and support community development in places where violence is an all too common occurrence. Consider hosting a "peacebuilding" night at your church. Request a speaker from CRWRC or the Office of Social Justice who can talk about peacebuiling efforts around the world, and discuss together ways your church can support peace. You may decide to focus your efforts on a country or community oversees, or you might assess your own neighborhood for its needs. 

Tracy Young is communications consultant for the Office of Social Justice.