Appearances
06/18/09
There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. (Proverbs 16:25)
These are challenging times. Our economy is on shaky ground. All of the efforts of government to stimulate it may or may not work. People are losing jobs and concerned about their future. In the midst of all this chaos and uncertainty it is easy to become self absorbed.
It is easy, especially during times of crisis and high anxiety, to make quick decisions that seem right and seem logical but may in fact take you to a destination you don’t want to arrive at. Sometimes taking shortcuts to get a job by putting things on a resume that are not true or exaggerating your skills in an interview may seem like the way to get hired. But in reality it may be the quickest way to kill your opportunity.
Henry Blackaby writes: “Things are not always what they seem. Proverbs warns that we can be deceived into believing we are going down the right path and yet be heading toward death, the opposite direction from God’s will. People do not naturally seek God or pursue righteousness_(Rom. 3:10–18). Only as the Spirit awakens our hearts to the Person of Christ are we able to desire God’s will. If we make decisions apart from the guidance of the Spirit of God, we will be like a ship trying to sail without a compass. We will do what makes the most sense, based on our own wisdom. But what looks attractive may actually lead to sin, ultimately destroying what is precious to us, for our most profound human thinking is mere foolishness to God_(1 Cor. 1:18–20). Only God knows the way that leads to life, and He wants to lead us to walk in it (Matt. 7:13–14).
Don’t assume every opportunity that arises is from God. Satan will disguise himself as an “angel of light,” and his invitations will seem to be in your best interest (2 Cor. 11:14). Yet his way leads only to death (John 8:44). The word of God will be like a light to your path, guiding you in the ways of righteousness_(Ps. 119:105). It can be perilous to follow a path that seems right without first consulting the Holy Spirit for guidance_(John 16:13). Take time to seek the Holy Spirit’s direction when you face decisions. He knows the full ramifications of your choices. The Holy Spirit will assist you to understand truth and to experience abundant life. Trust Him as He leads you.”
You will never be disappointed by following Christ and allowing the Holy Spirit to direct your actions. You can trust God to be at work for good in your life even when circumstances are difficult and challenging. I know because I have lived through the storm and God asked me to do some things that didn’t make sense. Yet I learned that by trusting God and doing things his way led to greater opportunity and God’s work in my life in ways that wouldn’t have occurred without following Him.
Is it easy to always do things in a way that honors God? Of course not. Jesus never promised us an easy life. He did promise to be with us. God will be at work in your life. Trust Him. Don’t give in to the temptation to take short cuts. Follow the direction of God’s Holy Spirit. You will experience God’s care and grace in ways you never imagined.
These are challenging times. Our economy is on shaky ground. All of the efforts of government to stimulate it may or may not work. People are losing jobs and concerned about their future. In the midst of all this chaos and uncertainty it is easy to become self absorbed.
It is easy, especially during times of crisis and high anxiety, to make quick decisions that seem right and seem logical but may in fact take you to a destination you don’t want to arrive at. Sometimes taking shortcuts to get a job by putting things on a resume that are not true or exaggerating your skills in an interview may seem like the way to get hired. But in reality it may be the quickest way to kill your opportunity.
Henry Blackaby writes: “Things are not always what they seem. Proverbs warns that we can be deceived into believing we are going down the right path and yet be heading toward death, the opposite direction from God’s will. People do not naturally seek God or pursue righteousness_(Rom. 3:10–18). Only as the Spirit awakens our hearts to the Person of Christ are we able to desire God’s will. If we make decisions apart from the guidance of the Spirit of God, we will be like a ship trying to sail without a compass. We will do what makes the most sense, based on our own wisdom. But what looks attractive may actually lead to sin, ultimately destroying what is precious to us, for our most profound human thinking is mere foolishness to God_(1 Cor. 1:18–20). Only God knows the way that leads to life, and He wants to lead us to walk in it (Matt. 7:13–14).
Don’t assume every opportunity that arises is from God. Satan will disguise himself as an “angel of light,” and his invitations will seem to be in your best interest (2 Cor. 11:14). Yet his way leads only to death (John 8:44). The word of God will be like a light to your path, guiding you in the ways of righteousness_(Ps. 119:105). It can be perilous to follow a path that seems right without first consulting the Holy Spirit for guidance_(John 16:13). Take time to seek the Holy Spirit’s direction when you face decisions. He knows the full ramifications of your choices. The Holy Spirit will assist you to understand truth and to experience abundant life. Trust Him as He leads you.”
You will never be disappointed by following Christ and allowing the Holy Spirit to direct your actions. You can trust God to be at work for good in your life even when circumstances are difficult and challenging. I know because I have lived through the storm and God asked me to do some things that didn’t make sense. Yet I learned that by trusting God and doing things his way led to greater opportunity and God’s work in my life in ways that wouldn’t have occurred without following Him.
Is it easy to always do things in a way that honors God? Of course not. Jesus never promised us an easy life. He did promise to be with us. God will be at work in your life. Trust Him. Don’t give in to the temptation to take short cuts. Follow the direction of God’s Holy Spirit. You will experience God’s care and grace in ways you never imagined.