"Whose Way?"

“Whose Way?

 

Some years ago a church pastored by a long-time friend lost its building to a fire. While the insurance process was going on a Building Committee was formed and once a settlement was reached an architectural firm was engaged. The designer assigned to work with the church had a particular feature he liked to incorporate in each of his plans but from the get-go the Committee members made it clear that they weren’t interested in this specialty. The architect, however, insisted it be included and did so in each revision he presented. The result? The Committee fired him! The church leaders knew the needs and desires of the congregation better than the architect did and were unimpressed by his determination to do things his way.

I see a parallel here with how you and I are apt to approach God. Even though He’s given us His guidelines in Scripture we come before Him with our plans and expect Him to adapt to the way we’ve determined we’ll do things. Does God look favorably on this “my way” attitude? Listen to His prophet’s warning: “The ways of the Lord are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.” (Hosea 14:9). I must admit (to my shame) that I’ve had to learn this lesson the hard way more than once and face the music due to my own stubbornness. Hopefully I’ve profited from these difficult experiences.

We’re living in a “my way” society as evidenced by a well-known song written several decades ago. Is God impressed? Not at all! Twice in Proverbs (14:12 and 16:25) He said through Solomon: “There is a way that seems right to a man but in the end it leads to death.” God has given us freedom to choose our way but if we do He’s not responsible for the outcome. Compare “my way” to His way as expressed by King David (who certainly knew the dangers of the “my way” approach): “As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless.” (Psalm 18:30).

Whose way is best? Which will you and I follow?

 

Blessings!

Jim McMillan