His Way or Death

The Word is first...

Proverbs 14:12 (NIV)

¹² There is a way that seems right to a man,

but in the end it leads to death.

The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984

I get paid to help people find better ways to do things. Of course, the things they want help with all involve business; productivity, profits, procedures, projects and processes. My ability in these matters is a gift or perhaps more accurately the product of the gifts that God has given me. In many ways, when I analyze a particular project or process I can 'see' or 'sense' a way that is better or right. It makes perfect sense to me and it's difficult for me to see how it could have ever gotten into the state it is in that requires my help. In the grand scheme of things, they don't matter and by the metaphorical morrow they will all be gone.

My abilities in matters of true importance are not so good. I've discovered, painfully, that my heart is deceptive and will easily lead me in the wrong direction. In the matters of life that really count, my track record is pretty poor. At least, it was till I started consulting the instruction manual and relying on The Holy Spirit to show me the right way.

My study verse today speaks of this phenomena as it teaches "There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death." When you combine the temptations of this world in the light of our sinful and selfish desires we see a dangerous opportunity for deception. We often mistake 'the way' that fulfills our desires or feelings for the 'right way.' We allow our happiness and sense of fairness to govern our decisions which often leads to terrible results, even death.

Consider those who believe there are many paths to God. That whole concept "seems right", it "seems fair" and it plays into our selfish nature in that it gives us license to live a life according to our rules. It's an easy palliative to the bitter pill of doing what's right in the sight of God. No matter how it "seems" it is nevertheless a lie and in the end, the pain, agony and death that will be suffered as a result of such a choice will be eternal.

I challenge you to examine your life, your habits, your relationships and your walk with Christ today. Ask The Holy Spirit to reveal to you those 'ways' in your life that 'seem right' but in fact are not. Ask God to forgive you for those choices. Ask The Holy Spirit to lead you in the 'right way', the Way that is Jesus.

I know it 'seems right' to let this be a long and thorough process. But I want to urge you to do this immediately. Tomorrow may never come and after lunch may be too late. Get right with God starting right now.

Shalom,
Carl