Perhaps one of the most aggravating things for a child, is to have another child command them to do something they don’t want to do. I have seen this play out on numerous occasions with my five children. Regardless of age, whether teens, toddlers, or elementary age kids, a command from one child to another is usually met with some reply like, “You’re not the boss of me”. If the commanding youth persists, the commanded might even reply with the challenge of, “If you’re so tough, why don’t you make me”.

Too often adult “Christians” behave in this fashion, almost daring God to “make me” when it comes to obeying His plain commands or instructions. Sadly, far too many “Christians” forget He is THE  BOSS, as our lives our not our own; being we were bought with the price of Christ’s shed blood (I Corinthians 6:19-20, 7:22-23).

Although the question of Lordship is settled in the mind of most of the redeemed (Romans 10:9-10), we must be ever vigilant that self does not enlarge itself in temptation. For although our spirit is willing and to be in union with God’s own Spirit, our flesh is still weak and the old man desires to reclaim its lost authority. Therefore when presented with the REALITY that we are under temptation, or weakened in our resolve and seeing little strength to obey what we ought, we look to David’s plea…

(Psalms 119:35) Make me walk in the path of Your commandments, For I delight in it.

David’s request is not a childish dare, but a desperate plea for God to enable him to do what brought him the most satisfaction: walking in the commandments of God. David’s “make me” is a sincere plea for God’s power because on his own he was failing. His request is a powerful plea, to bring about in His life that which would bring glory to His God.

“Make me walk in the path of your commandments” is a metaphor in line with a preceding verse (33) “Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes”. From that verse we discovered that this is the narrow road that leads to life for us. The statutes are responsibilities, purposes, and calling that God has revealed to us. These serve as guard rails, keeping us from going over the edge.

“Make me walk in the path of Your commandments” serves as the rules of this road. As we drive we see two lanes, both bordered by white lines on the outside and a yellow line in the center. At times that yellow line is broken and singular–at other times doubled and solid in both lines–still at other times one side is solid and the other broke. These lines govern how we drive on the road. When understanding “the path of Your commandments”, we understand His commands govern how we move and when we move on the narrow road.

In Greece NY, where I live, many citizens will illegally pass on the outside right of a slowed or stopped and turning vehicle. This means they travel right of the car ahead,  breaking the white solid line. This is breaking the law, because you never cross a white line. It does not matter if we are in a hurry, or the driver ahead is slow, or if we deem the white line should not be there because there is enough room to pass. it only matters that the white line is there. Not breaking it is a command.

I must admit that although it irritates me to see this happening, I have been tempted to do it on occasion, and I must literally tell myself no. When it comes to the path of His commands, on the narrow road, which command do you play fast and lose with? Which commands do you desire to obey, yet find yourself failing in, when you lack vigilance or are weak?

Interestingly, “the path of His commandments” is a well outlined path right down the center and like the channeled electric race tracks we played with as kid’s. In these toys each car had a pin, which was placed in  the track channel. When the trigger we held was engaged the pin making contact with metal in the channel turned the rubber tires and they were flying fast, yet stuck to the track with a charge.

If we seek Him and submit to obeying Him moment by moment, His resurrection life will keep us on the path or track of His commandments.

How does this take place?

1. Pray, asking the LORD to reveal where you are not walking the path of His commandments (lack of love, forgiveness, faith, contentment), (being anxious, consumed with anger, unbelief), (habitually lying, dishonesty, pride, deceitfulness), (there are certainly more, Ten Commandments, or the Greatest Commandment, love God with all, neighbor as self).
2. Aware of the REALITY of being off track, ask the Lord if it is by a lack of power to obey the commands of Christ or because I justify little disobedience.
3. Ask the Lord to make you walk the path obeying every day. Ask Him for sensitivity to Holy Spirit leading and conviction.