A Way That Seems Right - Soul Choice Ministries

Proverbs 14:12 and Proverbs 16:25 say, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”

Notice that this warning was worth repeating.

People think their way or path of life is right, but in the end, many are deceived. Your own way may deliver temporary success, happiness, or what most think is the “good life,” but in the end, this direction will lead to death. The key is the deception that influences one’s decisions.

Many people think they are fine, but they are on the broad road that leads to destruction, as Jesus mentioned in Matthew 7:13–14. Our actions may even seem harmless or clever, but they may be evil or perverse according to God’s Word. The way of the world will not only eventually bring destruction and ruin in this life but also lead us into hell in the afterlife. We must choose life or destruction each day, one moment at a time.

Our limited human reasoning and self-reliance are not sufficient for making the right choices, especially when it comes to our eternity.

Proverbs 12:15 says, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes.”

Your religious tradition, opinions, and feelings may seem right. But do you possess the humility to inquire of your Creator? Do you ask Him first?

For example, say you were raised in a certain religion, and your friends and family are followers of this particular belief. Ask yourself: Why is it correct? Who do you say Jesus is? If the religion simply believes Jesus was a great man, a great teacher, or a prophet, that belief contradicts what Jesus said about Himself. This false belief flies in the face of what His sacrificial death on the Cross means and denies His resurrection. Therefore, you are following a way that seems right but leads to eternal punishment, according to the Lord Jesus Christ.

In Matthew 25:46, Jesus said, “And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” There are only two groups and two eternal destinations. You either believe in Him, or you do not.

Perhaps keeping the peace with your family is more important than your eternal soul. Or performing religious rituals makes you feel good about yourself and appeals to your pride, so you push the truth away. You compare yourself to others, think you are pretty good, and believe that surely, you will be allowed into heaven. You reason that “this way seems right,” so you remain deceived. Again, a little humility would go a long way here. God is good, and if you have the humility to sincerely ask Him to show you the right road, He will.

Another example is when you receive a negative medical diagnosis. Following the wrong advice can lead to premature physical death. Some people blindly follow a doctor’s advice just because the person is a doctor. If you are a Christian, before embarking on a treatment or surgery, it would be wise to pray about it, get a second opinion, do your own research, and explore alternatives. Can you correct the condition with nutrition and lifestyle changes? Every person is unique, and the Holy Spirit knows what a doctor does not. The recommended direction may seem right but end in an early death.

What about deciding to simply have some fun? The activity may seem harmless, and you reason that you need a break, so why not go to the concert with a friend? You decide to go, but then the plan changes. Your friend wants to meet up with some other people you have never met. You think, sure, why not? Well, those people decide to drink alcohol. Afterwards, it is just a short drive to the restaurant, but the person driving the vehicle hides the fact that they are intoxicated. They run a red light, and you end up dead. One simple decision that seemed harmless and fun ended in death. Were you spiritually prepared to die? Your relatives now want to question and blame God for allowing this to happen. True accounts like this happen every day.

Did you even think about the eternal consequences of dying without Christ? Hell would be your final destination. However, if you are listening to me right now, you can change that.

If you sincerely want to be on the right road and you have a bit of humility, you can say this prayer with me right now.

Dear God in heaven,

Forgive me for my sins. I believe the Lord Jesus Christ died for my sin, was buried, and rose from the dead. I ask You, Jesus, to be my Lord and Savior. I put my trust in what You did for me on the Cross. You took my punishment and my sin upon Yourself, and You shed Your blood, which is the only thing that cleanses me right now. I choose to surrender my life to You. Fill me with Your Spirit. In Jesus’ name.

If you said that prayer, tell someone what you did. Start reading the Bible. Begin in the Book of John. Join a Bible-teaching church and a Bible study to grow in your faith and meet other Christians.

And I urge you to do this today.