The Right Way

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” Proverbs 14:12

There are few verses in the Bible that give me more reason to pause than Proverbs 14:12. I cringe when I hear people say, “I do what I feel like God wants me to do.” This passage makes it 100% clear that we cannot always trust our gut. We cannot only look at how things appear and then act accordingly. And never, under any circumstances, should man’s logic be elevated over God’s Word. Never.

God has given us two guardrails to keep us from going over the cliff on either side of life’s journey. The first is the Holy Spirit, and the second is His Word – the Scripture. God’s Word can protect us from making purely rational decisions. That sounds crazy, doesn’t it? But man’s rational thinking is often opposed to God’s Word and His will. God often uses what seems crazy in the moment to display His glory. For many, it is not rational to tithe when the bills are piling up. But God is not confined by budget numbers and account balances. And He receives glory when we step out in faith and trust Him with our finances by obediently giving, not knowing how He is going to make our ends meet. It is not rational to forgive someone who isn’t sorry. But God receives glory when we choose to obey His Word when it is hard.

Likewise, God’s Spirit protects us from purely emotional decision-making.  “If it feels right, do it,” is not a good way to live, contrary to what the world says. Feelings change with circumstances, among other variables. Basing any decision purely on how you feel will often lead to regret. The Spirit of God has a way of taking biblical wisdom and godly advice and mixing them together to speak to your heart. Because God’s Spirit lives in His children, we can hear God in a unique way. He will make His will known to us.

When God speaks to you and you listen, when He guides you and you trust Him, there will be a peace in your heart that is unshakeable. You can know this: The will of God will never lead you where the peace of God will not keep you. No matter how you “feel,” you can always trust God’s Word and His Spirit to lead you down the right path.

God, thank You for Your Word and Your Spirit to guide me. Please help me to always listen to Your voice above my own. In Jesus' name, amen.