IS YOUR LIFE ON GOD’S PATH, OR ONE YOU HAVE CREATED FOR YOURSELF?

BIBLE PASSAGE:
“There is a way which seems right to a man, 
but in the end it leads to death.”  
(Proverbs 14:12)

MEDITATION:
Have you ever known someone who did things that you couldn’t believe?
You may have had thoughts like, “What is wrong with him or her?”
Whenever the person has to make a decision between two different options, 
they usually choose the one that you and others agree is the wrong one.

No matter how much others try to reason with the person, 
he or she remains convinced that they know what is best.
In fact they refuse to listen to, or accept opposing opinions of any kind.
When others oppose them on anything, they either get loud, or ‘shut down’.

The frustration of concerned friends grows exponentially, 
as this narcissistic person doesn’t care about their concerns, 
and will not listen to any  words of advice, because in their mind, 
they have everything figured out.
They often surround themselves with only those 
who appear to agree with them (whether or not they really do).

Some become isolationists so they can avoid any conflict with others 
who try to reason with them concerning the direction their life is taking.
Being by themselves exacerbates their situation as they develop an opinion 
of themselves that is theirs alone, and not shared by the opinion of others.

They can become obsessed with how they look, how smart they are, how
they are determined to 'have fun' as they ignore the advice of others,
and how they think they have everything under control as they continue 
a downward spiral that leads to destruction.
With a concept that people and relationships are expendable,
it is easy for them to “write off” those who disagree with them.

How does someone get into this kind of rut?
They have allowed their own mind and will, 
to override the Lord’s desire and will for them.
They often consider themselves as being in touch with the Lord, as part of
their overall effort to prove to everyone that they have it all together.

The truth is, if they had a sincere relationship with the Lord, 
they would be more receptive to advice from others.
They would not be so wrapped up in themselves.
They wouldn’t defiantly express how nobody else is going to control them
(which either consciously or subconsciously includes God).

If they have children, quite often the same traits show up in them.
The irony is, they can become agitated and frustrated with their children 
for doing the same things they are doing, 
and having the same attitudes they have.
How many times have you heard a parent say their children think they 
know it all, and thought to yourself, “Your child is no different than you”?
Psychiatrists say we have the greatest contempt 
for those with the same faults as ours.
And the worst part is we fail to realize it, 
and will vehemently deny it, if someone points it out to us.

It is sad when we see others in this state of mind, 
and want to help them, but can't.
What can we do to help them get off the path that seems right to them, 
and get them on a path that is right to the Lord?
One thing we don't need to do is try to “fix” them ourselves.
This is a much bigger problem than we could ever come close to changing.

We need to keep the lines of communication open.
We need to pray for them and for God’s intervention.
It is a heart and mind condition that only God can change.
If they continue in this direction, 
the scriptures tell us they are on a path to death.
In other words, they might play at religion, but they have never 
established a relationship with God, and as a result, 
they have not received His salvation.

ACTION:
Do you know of someone on a path to destruction that you can’t seem to help?
Are you praying for that person and keeping the lines of communication open?
Maybe that person is you.
If it is, then you should make an honest assessment of yourself 
and more importantly, your relationship with the Lord.

Don’t look at your relationship with Him as how you want it to appear 
to others, but look at it as it appears to the God who can save you.
God doesn’t save those who “talk a good game”, but ignore His instructions. 
He saves those who sincerely give their hearts to Him and have a true desire
to live as He expects His children to live - in submission to Him.
The Bible gives instructions for true happiness.
    But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, 
    and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33)

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, You know the person I am concerned about. I pray that 
You would pierce their heart and draw them to You before they drift farther 
away. If I am that person, I pray that You would open my eyes so that I 
will see that I have created a way that seems right to me, instead of 
living a life that is right to You. Forgive me Lord if I have become so 
consumed with myself, that I have failed to develop a right relationship 
with You that will keep me off a path toward destruction.  Forgive me if 
I have had a negative impact on others, including my own children. Lord, 
I pray that You would soften my heart and renew my mind so that I can 
become a child of Yours and enjoy fellowshipping with You above all else.”