The Ancient Way

From the beginning of man's existence, he has searched for pathways of belief and behaviour that might lead to health and well being in life.

We held a course at Ellel Glyndley Manor recently, on which we explored the spiritual safety of various ways of healing which are on offer these days. In fact, many alternative or complementary therapies have clear roots in an ancient Chinese philosophy called Taoism – they are not rooted in God at all, but in one of man’s substitutes for truth. The word ‘Tao’ actually means ‘the way’ and dates back to as early as the 7th century BC, when even then people were looking for practical and spiritual ways to conduct their lives in the hope of finding inner peace.

Now, in the 21st century, many people still recognise the need for both a physical and a spiritual pathway of healing and restoration. Of course, God has always known man's need and in today’s verse He encourages us to ask for the good way, the right way, the one that truly meets our needs. But we must be careful which direction we take, because the enemy has promoted many counterfeits as possible, but wrong, answers to the searchings of man.

Jesus, by whom all things were created, predates even the most ancient of man's philosophies. The Bible tells us that He is before all things and above all things. He declares that He alone is the Good Shepherd who leads us in the right direction, and He alone is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Praise God that the search for the good path is complete, for those who follow Him.