“For if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live.”
—Romans 8:13

Reflection

Song of Songs 4:6 says, “Until the cool of the day when the shadows flee away, I will go my way to the mountain of myrrh and to the hill of frankincense.”

Earlier, this mountain seemed impossible to surmount. But now there is a reversal of course and a declaration of commitment: I am going to the mountain and will go until the shadows flee away. I will follow You until there is no shadow of doubt about my commitment. I am going with You all the way up that mountain.

There is much depth in the words, “I will go my way.”

God has created different journeys, different ways, for each of us to travel with Him. Every believer has unique features in their path. Peter had to learn this lesson too. When he started asking Jesus about John’s future, Jesus said to him, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!” (John 21:22).

We need to say, I will go my way and do what You have for me. I set my will to walk the unique path You have called me to walk.

Why is the destination called the mountain of myrrh? Myrrh is a costly spice that smells good but tastes bitter. It was used as an embalming substance, so Scripture at times associates it with death. Going up the mountain points to the death of the fleshly. Jesus was obedient unto death, even death on a cross, and He calls you and me to identify with Him in the fellowship of His sufferings.

Simply put, obedience to God requires death to oneself.

Myrrh is also fragrant in the positive sense. Scripture says that when we obey, we become a fragrant aroma to God in Christ. This beautiful fragrance is released only when we put to death the deeds of the flesh. Paul writes, “If by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live.”

I remember a season of repentance when, day by day, I was turning things over to God that He was identifying in my life. One morning, the Spirit of God spoke four simple words to me: “I am a servant.”

My response was uncompromising: That settles it, God. I am going all the way with You.

Beloved, let that be the cry of our hearts. I will not let anything hinder me. I set my will to walk the path You have called me to walk. I am going to follow You.

Application

• Stop comparing your path with someone else’s. Set your will to walk the unique way God has called you to walk.
• Ask the Holy Spirit to identify what must be put to death so that your obedience can become a fragrant offering to God.

Prayer

Father, I set my will to walk the unique path You have called me to walk. Help me not to be distracted by what You are doing in someone else’s life. By Your Spirit, show me what needs to be put to death in me, and give me grace to obey You without reservation. I do not want anything to hinder me from following You. That settles it, Lord, I am going all the way with You. Amen.