“That thou mayest walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous.” — Proverbs 2:20
“Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.” — 3 John 11
The Christian life is not just about avoiding wrong — it is about following right examples. You become like the path you choose and the people you follow. Your direction determines your destination.
- Choose Your Path — “walk in the way…” You don’t drift into righteousness; you decide your direction.
- Choose Your Pattern — “follow… that which is good” You are always following something — or someone.
- Choose Your Proof — “he that doeth good is of God” Your life will reveal who you truly belong to.
Lot vs. Abraham — Genesis 13
Lot chose the well-watered plains of Sodom. Abraham walked with God.
Lot followed what looked good. Abraham followed what was good. Lot lost influence and purity. Abraham gained blessing and fellowship with God.
Demetrius vs. Diotrephes — 3 John 9–12
Diotrephes loved preeminence — an evil example. Demetrius had a good report of all men — a good example.
One followed self. One followed truth.
One is condemned. One is commended.