A couple of days ago I read Psalm 23:

1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

The second part of verse three really hit me: He guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

I think of righteousness as a willful decision to think, act, and live in right standing with God (according to His ways). If you have been a Christian for a while, you know that paths of righteousness are not always smoothly paved. To bring about a righteous lifestyle, we will often encounter difficult circumstances that expose our corrupt behavior and challenge us to change.

(There are times when righteousness was not the end result (because we chose to do things 'our' way), but you can guarantee you will have another opportunity for change in the near future!)

God wants us to live righteously for His name's sake...and not our own! How many times have you tried to live right for someone or something other than God? Our lives are all about Him!

God wants His name to be glorified! He wants people to see His magnificence, love, and power through us! He wants people to be drawn to Him...and it comes as we let our light shine:

Matthew 5:14-16 (KJV) - Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

When people see your light and glorify God, an opportunity for salvation, healing, praise, and restoration is at hand.