| “Can a man walk on hot coals without his feet being scorched?” |
| —Proverbs 6:28 |
Several motivational speakers use a “self-confidence test” for the new people who have adopted their particular motivational philosophy. They have them walk across hot coals. Amazingly, in the vast majority of incidents, and particularly if they do not pause during the walk, the individuals emerge without burns on their feet. This is because in addition to a hot coal being pretty weak when it comes to the transfer of heat energy, so, too, are a person’s feet. So, if one does not spend time lingering over the bed of coals and instead briskly walks across them, there’s a low risk of being burned.
However, if the coal-walkers hesitate, are too timid, or persist too long on the coals—as some show-offs might do—they will seriously burn their feet. The key is the time in which their feet remain in contact with the hot coals, which, as stated above, do not actually transfer conducted heat very well.
Sometimes, it seems as if “hot coals” line the pathway of life. Step off to the left and persist in walking on those hot coals, you will soon create serious burns on your feet. Step off to the right and try to walk on the hot coals for very long, you will also cause hurtful burns. That’s why it’s important to follow the straight-forward pathway of righteousness that God lays out before us each day. King Solomon understood this issue when he wrote these words found in Proverbs 6:28:
Can a man walk on hot coals without his feet being scorched?
The answer is clear: not if he or she stays on those coals too long and not if he or she strays from the protected righteous pathway and pursues sin. That’s why we need to listen to the nudgings of the Holy Spirit. He will keep us on the straight, proper, and safe pathway.
This new day, let’s determine to stay off the “hot coals” of sinful living. Let’s keep to the straight-forward pathway God has laid out before us. Our feet will thank us.
Based on a blog originally posted on Friday, August 25, 2017
