Backslider and the Watchman Part 1

Tammy Jones was raised in a Christian home and made a personal commitment to Christ in high school. But when she went away to college, she quickly got caught up in the campus party lifestyle. She always intended to find a good church and a Bible study, but somehow it never happened. By the end of her freshman year, Cindy had the reputation of a party girl who could drink a lot of alcohol. By the time she graduated from college, few, if any, of her college friends even knew that she was a Christian. The Backslider

Sadly, Tammy Jones example isn't an isolated one. As believers in Jesus Christ, our lives will bear a witness—but our witness can be either positive or negative.
“This is what the Lord says: “Stop at the crossroads and look around, Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls. But you reply, ‘No, that’s not the road we want!’ I posted watchmen over you who said, ‘Listen for the sound of the alarm’ But you replied, No! We won’t pay attention’” Jeremiah 6:16-17

Like many other prophets of the bible, Jeremiah urged the people to return to God's ways. But they refused to do so! Even though God had sent previous prophets, the “watchmen”, the people persisted in their sin. Rather than destroy all false idols, the Israelites had adopted many perverse pagan practices. Rather than trust the Lord to protect them, the Israelites had entered into dangerous foreign alliances. Yet, even while they snuggle on the edge of judgment, the Lord desires to see them turn back to Him.
(Shoes and clothes just a few of the false idols that use to be a part of my life. I once had 75 pair of shoes in my closet and three closets full of clothes and the mall was my alliances along with some stupid relationships. I spent more time getting dress and more money in the mall than I did with the Lord. People ask me now how can you go on so many mission trips….I stay out of the mall, anyway back to the word.)

In the above verse, we are given the image of a traveler who comes to a fork in the road. He has the opportunity to go anyway he desires, but God tells him to ask for the "old paths, where is the good way". Instead of just traveling blindly on, this traveler is to stop and ask directions.
The Lord wants His people to travel the right path. He wants them on a path that will lead them in His direction. While this word of correction was spoken to the Jews many years ago, there is a lesson in this verse for the modern church.

It is my opinion that the Lord would still have His people to ask for the old paths.