Verse of the Day Devotion: Proverbs 14:12

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

Many people have a distorted view of Christianity. Much of this comes because of the culture we find ourselves in today.  For instance, many have professed they are Christians but have also stated that abortion is a good thing and should be a valid choice for the mothers to choose.  Their idea is that a woman should have the right to do whatever they choose with their body.  However, the problem with this statement is not regarding their own body, but the body of the child that is within their womb.  Some truly believe that God is OK with killing the unborn.  Unfortunately, they are wrong in this assessment. This distortion of the truth has been a problem long before our time.  Paul said the following regarding the Jews in the first century, and this was regarding not just their ideas of Christianity, but Judaism as well.  And these verses speak greatly about our time as well.  “Brethren, my heart’s desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation. For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge. For not knowing about God’s righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” Romans 10:1-4.  Let’s look at each of these verses a little closer. First, Paul states his heart’s desire is for the salvation of the Jews.  Being an Israelite himself, he understands their situation.  They have a zeal for God, they desired to do His will, but they did not understand that righteousness, and ultimately salvation, does not come from the law, but because of the work of Christ on the cross.  The observed the law which they believed came directly from God.  However, they missed the idea of the coming Messiah who would make things right.  They sinned not because they chose to, but out of ignorance.  Not understanding that salvation comes through the death of Christ which, if believed and accepted, would have the righteousness of Christ imparted on them, they sought salvation through what they believed at that time, which was their own righteousness.  And because of this refusal to accept the truth, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of Christ because they felt the keeping of the law was the answer. If we look at the beliefs of some in our churches, we see a very similar idea.  That is as long as they go to church, read the word, and try to do good, then God will be pleased.  Often, their Christian life is separated from the rest of their life, which causes much hypocrisy.  Often, they have not been told that this life is an ‘ALL IN’ life.  They are not taught that the Christian life is one that is wholly devoted to Christ and the work He did on the cross.  They base their salvation on either what they choose or understand, or by what their leadership tells them.  It is important that we be as the Bereans were in the first century.  “Now these (the Bereans) were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.” Acts 17:11. We need to check and see if what we are told, and also what we have accepted as true really is truth. If we take the time to do this, then we can ensure that the way which “seems” right is not and make the adjustments to live the life that “truly is” right and pleasing to God. William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries, Inc.