Ever gone the wrong way, thinking you are going the right way? I have many times. Gravel roads, dead ends, arguments with passengers, frustration, pride, embarrassment – lots of “not so great” fruit produced from taking a wrong turn, whilst doing what I thought was the best thing to do. Actually, I’ve spent the better part of my 56 years on Planet Earth going in the wrong direction. 33 years of my life were going the way I thought I should go. Hurts, pain, heartache, brokenness were all I had to show for it. A death of sorts had occurred inside of me – spiritual, emotional, and relational.
Have you been there? Are you still going your own way – A way that “seems right”? Are you neglecting the advice of friends and trusted loved ones? Are you ignoring the warning signs? You know you’re on the wrong path when your selfish desires are leading you. When self-will and misplaced passions are your sign posts; when carelessness, worldliness and sensuality are your guides… you know you are going the wrong way. Self-delusion is a liar! It says, “keep going” with no regard to the consequences of the choices we make. The sad part is that when you are going your own way, the way that seems right to you, you’ll find a whole bunch of people on that road with you. There will be no shortage of fellow travelers encouraging you to stay on that path until you reach your goal – that misplaced passion you’re pursuing! Nobody on the road you’re on will tell you, “you are on the wrong path”, because everyone thinks they are on the right path too – deception is the leader of the pack. Maybe, every so often, someone might realize they are on the wrong path and let someone else know. Maybe, that path you are on might come close to the better path, and you might realize you’re on the wrong path. And, hopefully, you get back on the right path, by giving up your selfish desires and misplaced passions.
I want you to really notice what this verse says; that’s why I’ve given you a literal translation of the Hebrew. One wrong way, that seems right, leads to many ways that ultimately lead to death. The phrasing of this verse reminds me of Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:13, “for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it.” I see many paths all funneling in together through one gate, which leads to death. I was one of those paths! I’ve met many who were on those paths! By the grace of God, we got off that broad way, and found a better way. “The gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.” (Matthew 7:14) You can be one of the few, like me, and others who have left the way of death, and are now travelling the way of Life. Let me give you the answer to finding the path that leads to life – one word- JESUS – He is the Way! Make sure any path you take leads to Him!
Now let’s be practical. Your choices on which road, path, or way to take need to be informed by God’s Word. Read it, meditate on it, and ask God to reveal it to you by Holy Spirit. Secondly, seek God’s will, not your own. That will require you spending time with God, and listening to Him. You want to know His will? Read and apply Romans 12:1 & 2. Lastly, listen to wise counsel from those who are following the right way.
Here is some wisdom from Proverbs 14:
Those who follow the right path fear the LORD; those who take the wrong path despise him. (NLT Proverbs 14:2)
The wise look ahead to see what is coming, but fools deceive themselves. (NLT Proverbs 14:8)
The faithless (backsliders) will be fully repaid for their ways, and the good man rewarded for his. ( NIV Proverbs 14:14 - you'll know you are travelling the right way by the fruit you are producing in your life. Stop, and look at your life!)
There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death. ( NLT Proverbs 14:12 - look ahead to where the path you are on will eventually lead.)
Fear of the LORD is a life-giving fountain; it offers escape from the snares of death. (NLT Proverbs 14:27 - it's never too late to get on the right path, and avoid certain disaster). Choose the right path - seek the Lord.
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