(Inspired by a lesson from Sarah Wall)

A friend of mine is a hiker. She was telling me about hiking etiquette. She said, “You know, there are a lot of similarities between the hiking trail and the Christian walk.” When I got home I looked it up and sure enough I found some striking parallels. Among some of the hiking rules are the following:

• Plan Ahead. Before setting foot on the trail, thorough preparation is key. This involves understanding the nature of the trail, its difficulty, and ensuring you have the necessary gear. Knowing about the trail is done by knowing God’s word, Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path (Psalm 119:10). His word gives us a description of the necessary gear (Ephesians 6:10-17). For the Christian, we’re also thinking about something Jesus taught, which is counting the cost (Luke 14:28-33).
• Be Prepared for Emergencies. Hiking can be unpredictable, so being prepared for emergencies is essential. Communication devices should also be available. Life for the Christian is unpredictable too. Therefore, communication is vitally important. We should rely on the Lord through prayer (James 5:16) and the directions He gives us through His word—directions to cope with all of the ups and downs that life continually throws our way, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
• Know the “right of way.” When I first saw this rule I immediately thought of the number one rule of the Christian walk—Know the “RIGHT WAY,” and the only source we have to know the right spiritual path is to immerse ourselves in the word of God, the perfect map to heaven! Make me walk in the path of Your commandments, For I delight in it (Psalm 119:35).
• Be aware of other hikers on the trail. Be courteous and prepared to yield. Wouldn’t our world be a nicer place if everyone was courteous, willing to yield, and looking to the good of others? More importantly, wouldn’t the church be more like God intended it to be? And wouldn’t the church be more effective teaching the lost? Paul wrote, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others (Philippians 2:2-4).
• Keep your distance from wildlife. This includes not feeding wild animals or engaging them in any form. In the Christian walk we’re talking about keeping our distance from the “wild life.” Paul wrote, Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.  Therefore do not be partakers with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them (Ephesians 5:6-8).
• Hiking in groups is not only enjoyable but also safer. Maintain a pace suitable for the slowest member and regroup at trail junctions to ensure no one is left behind. What a great characterization of the relationship brothers and sisters in Christ have with one another! Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed (Hebrews 12:12-13).
• Finally, do not veer away from the trail. You may not find your way back, which could turn into a dangerous or deadly outcome!  The same is true for the Christian, Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin (Hebrews 3:12-13).

Trail etiquette serves as the backbone of safe, responsible hiking, producing harmony among hikers and the environment. Likewise, the Christian man or woman who relies on the Almighty and His word for direction on the trek toward heaven, will contribute to a safe and harmonious spiritual environment on earth and eventually the reward of eternal life with Christ our Lord!

Today’s Verses: You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore (Psalm 16:11); Make me walk in the path of Your commandments, For I delight in it (Psalm 119:35); In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths (Proverbs 3:6).

(Source for hiking etiquette: https://alaskawild.org/blog/be-courteous-9-basic-trail-rules-every-hiker-should-know/)

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by Teresa Hampton