Path To Happy

This is what the Lord says: “Maintain justice and do what is right, for my salvation is close at hand and my righteousness will soon be revealed. 2 Blessed is the one who does this—the person who holds it fast, who keeps the Sabbath without desecrating it, and keeps their hands from doing any evil.” Isaiah 56:1-2

“Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.” A catchy jingle that resonates with many. But what truly defines a good neighbor? The jingle suggests that a good neighbor is someone who is there for those around them. In a deeper sense, being there for someone can be understood through the teachings in the Bible, where God commands us to love our neighbor as ourselves.

Isaiah 56 explores the salvation of others, offering insights into being neighborly. Verses 1-2 call us to maintain justice and do what is right. As Christians, we are tasked with representing Jesus, who ministered to a world rife with injustice. When He departed, He left us to continue His work, equipped with the Holy Spirit to champion justice for ourselves and others.

Verse 2 emphasizes that blessed is the one who upholds these values. There is a simplicity in being blessed and righteous because the greatest commandment is to lead with love. By constantly assessing our hearts, we can love others as Christ does, banishing evil because light and darkness cannot coexist.

As the jingle encourages us to be a good neighbor, let's remember this was first required by God. We should examine how we treat those nearby. Are we genuinely concerned about those affected by the world's broken systems? By embracing the command to LOVE, we uncover the PATH to HAPPY.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your guidance in navigating this broken world. We often complicate the path to righteousness, but Scripture clearly tells us that love makes You happy. Reveal to me the opportunities I am missing to show up for You. In Jesus' name, Amen.