A Misled Path

Proverbs 14:12 – “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.”

The way that “seems right” may offer many options and require few sacrifices. Easy choices, however, should make us take a second look. Is this solution attractive because it allows me to be lazy? Because it doesn’t ask me to change my lifestyle? Because there are no moral restraints? The right choice often requires hard work and self-sacrifice. Let us not be enticed by apparent shortcuts that seem right but end in death.

Proverbs 5:23 – “He will die for lack of discipline, led astray by his own great folly.”
Matthew 7:13-14 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

Something to note from this Bible passages is that some things are not as they seem. First impressions, or even initial assumptions, are not always accurate! I can relate to this in that I am constantly struggling to assume the best in every situation and in every person. This is such a struggle for me, because my initial assumptions are often negative and inaccurate.

I read some great insight in an article relating to this topic: “Let us act like Christians using the Word of God to gain insight and make right decisions! Let us look beyond appearances, as far as we can! Let us study deeper going beyond the first impressions. Let us try to find out, FOR SURE, that which is good. ‘Test all things; hold fast what is good,’ (2 Thessalonians 5:21). ‘Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God ... because many false prophets have gone out into the world,’ (1 John 4:1).”

The other important idea in this Bible verse (Prov. 14:12) is that God’s wisdom is greater than man’s. Again, a quote from the article I read: “Man sees the appearance ... God can see beyond the appearances. Man has a limited knowledge of the past ... God has a perfect view of the past. Man has limited knowledge of the future ... God has what the Bible calls ‘foreknowledge!’ Man can be affected by prejudice, selfishness, ulterior motives ... God is perfectly impartial and just in all His judgments. Man can be blinded by passion and self-will ... Man can be tempted ... THESE THINGS DO NOT HAPPEN TO GOD !! NOW, WHO HAS THE BETTER VIEW OF THINGS? You see, there is A HIGHER JUDGE ... FAR ABOVE MAN !”  This is such a great reminder of God’s infinite wisdom in our lives!

The next thing we should get from this verse is that just because our intentions are honorable, does not eliminate the consequences. Last quote from article :) “You may be completely convinced that a certain thing is right; you may believe it with all your heart, sincerely having no doubt that this thing is correct ---> BUT IF THIS THING IS A MISTAKE, WITH HORRIBLE CONSEQUENCES .... YOUR SINCERITY AND CERTAINTY WILL NOT STOP THE CONSEQUENCES. Your opinion that the path is right does not make it right. Your sincerity in that erroneous opinion does not exempt you from the consequences!”


Lastly, and most importantly, a wrong decision on our part can lead to death. Think of car accidents, overdosing, alcohol poisoning, and many others. But the other death the Bible speaks of Is a spiritual death. When we live for ourselves and selfishly pursue our own interests, we are dead in our sin. However, when we follow the Lord and pursue righteousness, we are made alive in Christ!

John 14:6 – “Jesus said, ‘I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE. NO ONE COMES TO THE FATHER, EXCEPT THROUGH ME.’”

This knowledge should cause us to live lives of purpose, while studying God’s Word so that we may know how to fully live! I challenge us today to ask ourselves what pathway we are taking - the one less traveled, yet gives life, or the one with shortcuts and leads to death.

I pray that the Lord will ignite our hearts with a flame that burns for Him and puts in us the desire to remain on His pathway for our lives. May we study God’s Word and apply the knowledge we find in His Truth.

Soli Deo Gloria!
<3 Shannon

“On the Road to Beautiful” by Charlie Hall
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1geXLo7Whs

Hope everyone has a great week! :)