Monday, August 18, 2014
Have you ever come across those who after hearing your stand on any issue of life, will say something like, “Well, I’ve always believed…………” Just because we have believed this or that all our lives, it does not necessarily mean we are right. Proverbs 14:12 says: “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” Permit me to illustrate: A man and his wife were exiting the freeway and a car on the access road was traveling at a high rate of speed practically alongside of them. The lady told her husband to watch out as they moved along the ramp. He let her know that he had the “right of way” since the other fellow had a yield sign. When they were closer to each other she told him again to watch out for the other car. Her husband insisted that he was right and the other driver was wrong for not slowing down. Need I tell you that, in the end, he was “dead right”?
Don’t you think it is amazing how many folks continue doing things the same way year after year, even though their methods or plans never work? Whether it involves their business, finances, marriage, exercise plans, weight management, or raising their children, they will doggedly stick to their guns even though they’ve never seen any positive results. Please don’t get caught up in the “I did it my way” hype. It was only a song with an appealing idea. In the end, the only ones who will have success in this life and someday enter Heaven are those who do things God’s way. The Bible gives us great advice in the 3rd Chapter of Proverbs. We are told not to lean on our own understanding but to trust God with all our heart, to acknowledge and let Him direct our paths, and to not be wise in our own eyes. We can’t say we love the Lord and still do things our own way. Jesus said: “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say ?” (Luke 6:46)
If your methods or life plans aren’t working for you, may I suggest you try someone else’s, preferably God’s? How do you do that? Good question! You can start by bringing your burdens or problems to Him in prayer and by consulting with Him before you make any decision. In fact, everyone of us needs to do that on a daily basis. Apart from that, drawing closer to Him in anyway we can will help a lot. Whether it is through prayer, bible reading, or more faithful church attendance and involvement, God has an answer for any and every situation in life. If you start doing things His way instead of doing your own every time, I’m certain you will soon have much more success than before.
Memory verse for the week: (Isaiah 55:6) “Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on Him while He is near.”
