Who is leading?
There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.
(Proverbs 14:12, NKJV)
We are living in interesting and beautiful times. Internet has opened our eyes, ears and hearts to things that we would not have known if all we did was to live in our quiet neighbourhoods. Unlike generations lived before us, we are spoilt for choice in all aspects of life. We get information overload by just scrolling on our phones and laptops in the comfort of our homes. The job opportunities that have opened up for individuals across the world are a testament to the great times that we are living in. For many, especially those who are inquisitive, getting positive breaks in a chosen area of life has been made very easy. This is all wonderful and we need to embrace the positive as much as possible. There however is a need to remember that when there are good things, there are also bad things that we and others could get exposed to. The choice to go with what feeds our lives positively is what differentiates the results of either good or bad directions.
Acknowledging the spread of choices, we get to know what others are doing or have done and often while we learn from them, we also want to replicate the same results. In this then, we pursue what we have learnt as the “in thing”. We become fully invested in pursuit of the outcome and through circumstantial evidence at our disposal, we visualize and plan the success with excitement. The emotional and logical conviction we possess towards our goal becomes the fuel that pushes us forward. We move with a sense of surety, with no doubt and at times, without further validation because, we after all have peace in our hearts. Beloved, this could prove to be a slippery slope, for none of us knows it all. Our reference verse draws some caution for us, that even what seems right, carries the possibility of being wrong leading even to death. The idea is not for us to stop dreaming or moving forward in our chosen goals, the message is that we need to check with others and more so God Himself, about the direction we want to embark on. King Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, noted that all the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart or spirit (Proverbs 16:2). Brethren, it is about the intention that is often hidden in the heart and known only by the individual. When we duplicate what another person has done, we do not necessarily replicate the intention. God is concerned about the intention for that is the language of the heart. Yes, we can copy and learn from others on what and how to do things, but at the end, it is the heart that speaks. The intention determines if what we sought to do was right or wrong in the eyes of God.
We read of King David who wanted to build the house of God, for David, he wanted to honour his God in the building of a temple. This is honourable and his heart was right. However, as far as God was concerned the building of the temple was to be done by Solomon, David’s son (1 Kings 8:15-19). The desire of David was right, but it was not what God had wanted. Beloved, may we learn to seek the Lord with the desires of our hearts, so that we gain discernment to know what is beyond the natural and present circumstance. It is in light of this that God asks us to commit our ways to Him so that He in turn directs our paths (Psalm 37:5). God is prepared to make our plans come to perfect fruition in line with His will and all we need to do is to commit our thoughts, plans and desires to Him. May we not be found to have led ourselves into failure, when we could have moved in power, success and fulfillment if only we sought His will first.
Thoughts:
When have you led yourself?
How has God’s leading saved you from disappointment?
How do you build discernment in your daily life?