One reason to make sure we are heading in the right direction with our lives, our attitudes, our affections, our relationships is because the direction we are going indicates our eventual destination.
Yes, it is possible to change our direction, but until we do, our direction determines our journey's end. Many are convinced and committed to a path that leads to disaster, while thinking it will bring them final rest and peace.
This is why we need to trust in an omniscient and omnipotent God, and follow His infallible revelation. Only He knows the way we should go and only He can enable us to make it.
THE PATH OF SPIRITUAL DECEPTION
Proverbs 14:6-9, 11-12
(6) A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth.
(7) Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.
(8) The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.
(9) Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.
(11) The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish.
(12) There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
THE PATH OF SPIRITUAL PERCEPTION
Proverbs 3:5-7
(5) Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
(6) In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
(7) Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
ILLUSTRATION...
Many years ago I was in a "Five and Dime Store" (Newberry's in Glendale, California) when a fire ignited at the grill in the lunch counter area of the store. I looked up as the flames exploded up the wall to the ceiling. It was sudden, as was the reaction from the shoppers, at least most of the shoppers. We were sitting at the counter eating our food when the fire ignited. My mom and I were quick to leave the little stools, on which we were sitting, intending to exit the building, posthaste (yes, I said "posthaste" and I am glad). However, a relative continued to sit quietly, eating her food, while the crowd rushed toward the exits. We called her, but she continued to eat, slowly, seemingly oblivious to the event or the danger. Finally my mother grabbed our relative by the arm and pulled her away from the counter.
This illustrates the disconnect seen in so many people. They live in a state that ignores the dangers and warnings of coming disaster. They continue to eat at the counter of human desire while the fires of suffering and death threaten them and the warnings of coming judgment go unheeded. "Everything is going to be all right," they think. Through the years I have heard about people who have frozen in the face of danger or have foolishly ignored the call to safety. Sometimes a rescuer forcibly moves the lingering victim from the path of sure destruction. However, in the eternal realm, we cannot force anyone to turn from sin, to turn to Christ. All we can do is cry out to them and to pray that they will wake up to the sure judgment of God if they do not trust in the sure mercy of God through Christ.
Jude 1:17-25
(17) But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;
(18) How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.
(19) These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.
(20) But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
(21) Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
(22) And of some have compassion, making a difference:
(23) And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
(24) Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
(25) To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
THE PATH OF SPIRITUAL DECEPTION
Proverbs 14:6-9, 11-12
(6) A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth.
(7) Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.
(8) The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.
(9) Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.
(11) The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish.
(12) There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
THE PATH OF SPIRITUAL PERCEPTION
Proverbs 3:5-7
(5) Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
(6) In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
(7) Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
ILLUSTRATION...
Many years ago I was in a "Five and Dime Store" (Newberry's in Glendale, California) when a fire ignited at the grill in the lunch counter area of the store. I looked up as the flames exploded up the wall to the ceiling. It was sudden, as was the reaction from the shoppers, at least most of the shoppers. We were sitting at the counter eating our food when the fire ignited. My mom and I were quick to leave the little stools, on which we were sitting, intending to exit the building, posthaste (yes, I said "posthaste" and I am glad). However, a relative continued to sit quietly, eating her food, while the crowd rushed toward the exits. We called her, but she continued to eat, slowly, seemingly oblivious to the event or the danger. Finally my mother grabbed our relative by the arm and pulled her away from the counter.
This illustrates the disconnect seen in so many people. They live in a state that ignores the dangers and warnings of coming disaster. They continue to eat at the counter of human desire while the fires of suffering and death threaten them and the warnings of coming judgment go unheeded. "Everything is going to be all right," they think. Through the years I have heard about people who have frozen in the face of danger or have foolishly ignored the call to safety. Sometimes a rescuer forcibly moves the lingering victim from the path of sure destruction. However, in the eternal realm, we cannot force anyone to turn from sin, to turn to Christ. All we can do is cry out to them and to pray that they will wake up to the sure judgment of God if they do not trust in the sure mercy of God through Christ.
Jude 1:17-25
(17) But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;
(18) How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.
(19) These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.
(20) But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
(21) Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
(22) And of some have compassion, making a difference:
(23) And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
(24) Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
(25) To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
