The Way Of Life
Proverbs 14:12 (NKJV)
There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.
This scripture is one I meditate on often. Both as I judge myself and as I witness what others do, I am reminded of the importance of God’s plan, not mine.
I recently over heard a conversation that I have heard in various forms over and over many times. (See, if you pay attention, not being nosey but pay attention, God will teach you by what others do wrong.) The conversation was about a family man who left a new job without a plan for another, despite his need for employment, simply because he didn’t like it. We have created a society in which people faint at the first sign of opposition. We have created crying rooms where people can embrace their sadness and counselors who encourage them to rehash every bad thing that has ever happened to them. People are taught to focus on their happiness at all cost, regardless of the consequences.
I have heard parents complain about their young children up at all hours of the night on the internet and yet they provide them with unlimited access to smart phones. I have listen to parents who refuse to tell their children no to activities and then not understand why they have no quality time or money. I have seen people who make one horrendous financial decision after another and then question God’s desire to bless them. All these situations and more have a common thread. They are based on mans’ plans and mans’ ideas and not in the direction of God.
Romans 8:14 tells us that to be a child, to be an heir, you must be led by His Spirit. Yet, most who claim this sonship never consider to consult their Father. Christians have gotten too used to running with the world, according to the world’s ways, and then blaming God for the bad results in their life. Honestly, churches by and large don’t even teach the importance of being led. Even more true, many of them know little about it themselves because many churches aren’t built by God’s Word or His Spirit but by mans’ ideas.
This scripture in Proverbs is not talking about the Spirit led man, but the plans of the carnal man or the one who lives according to worldly principles. Galatians 5:17 says, “For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.” These two are in direct opposition to one another so that whichever one is chosen is the one that has the say. Following the flesh always leads to death. Always. Stop making your own plans and asking God to bless them. Stop allowing the stress of trying to figure everything out ruin your life. Jesus died in part so we could inherit God’s Spirit, as a teacher and a guide on the inside of us, to show us the best way. He promised He would never leave us nor forsake us, but if we leave and forsake the path He’s given, we will find the ruin we claim we want to avoid. Follow God, His Word, and His Spirit and live a truly blessed life. His way is the the only way. His way is the way of life.
Proverbs 19:21 (NKJV)
There are many plans in a man’s heart,
Nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand.
Be Blessed,
Pastor Jeff
