My Way or His Way?

“Every way of a man is right in his own eyes but the Lord weighs the heart” Proverbs 21:2

Generally people will do what they believe is right or at least that which seems best for them in the circumstances in order to achieve their objective. This proverb reminds us that we do not have a true motive or correct understanding without input from our Creator. By what measure are we to evaluate our thoughts, motives and actions?

Jesus Christ is the only measure that will ultimately matter and we can check ourselves against Him as we read, study and meditate God’s word. Only God has faithful motives and understanding intrinsically. As we continually invite Him to lead and teach us His ways He will renew our minds in accordance with His own nature, word and will.

The following proverb also says much the same; “All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes but the Lord weighs the spirits (Proverbs 16:2). When we are called to account we do our best to justify ourselves. We may plead limited knowledge or blame someone else but that will not wash with God who “weighs the heart.”

There are consequences for not checking that the path we are on will get us to the destination we desire; “There is a way that seems right to a man but its end is the way of death” (Proverbs 14:12). The Bible tells us many times in varying ways that if we continue to trust our own assessments, understanding and logic without checking against the measure God has provided, we will be disappointed when we arrive at our destination. It will not be the one we desire. Many people say they hope to make it to heaven but fail to ensure they are on the right path for that destination. That cannot be the attitude of a wise person.

A wise person will ensure that the path they are on will lead to their desired destination. Not to do so would be like a person who gets on a bus without checking it is going to their desired destination. I have witnessed people do this many times and the moment of discovery always reveals considerable disappointment.

The lack of certainty that a person is on the right path to their desired destination robs them of joy on the journey. That is really sad because God desires that we know and are assured of our eternal destiny (1 John 5:13) and that is an essential aspect of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Sound counsel is given in Proverbs 3:5, 6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.” Hoping we are on the right path will not give us joy or peace.

These proverbs and many others tell us that only a foolish person will trust his own reason or logic and dismiss God’s word. We will have confidence and assurance when we trust in God’s promises and word.

The proverbs quoted in this article are given to ensure we discover the right path to our desired destination and know the peace and joy that come with that knowledge. When we do we will confidently enjoy the journey of life. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6).

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