Don’t Be Deceived

(Prov 16:25 NIV) There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.

Here Solomon basically repeats what he said back in chapter 14 (verse 12) and I believe it is worth repeating. This is a major truth. I really like the way the Message Bible paraphrase of this verse reads; it says

“There's a way that looks harmless enough; look again—it leads straight to hell.”

The way without God, for many, seems right and harmless. But while it may seem harmless enough, it is not without consequence. I have met countless people that have said things like, “Hey, I’m a good person. I try to live a good life. I don’t bother anyone. I think I am good to go.” The problem with that argument is that none of us—based on our own merit—are good enough.

Every single human that has ever lived (outside of Jesus) has sinned. The Bible says, “We have all sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Rom 3:23). We have all come up short. We have all missed the mark. We have all done things that violated God’s standard. None of us are worthy, period! But then there those that say, “That’s the problem right there. I don’t believe in this ‘so-called’ God’s standard. Man wrote the Bible anyway. I don’t believe that stuff. If there is a god, he will be OK with me, because I live a good life.”

The problem with that argument is that there is a God, He has given us His Word, His Word is true, and His Word clearly offers us eternal life through His Son Jesus.

John plainly stated: “This is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life” (1st John 5:11,12).

Whenever I read that passage I normally follow it up by asking, “What are your questions? It does not get much plainer than that. Eternal life is available, but only through Jesus. But many don’t believe it. Many have been deceived into thinking that the Bible is wrong, that there is no such thing as heaven or hell, or that if there is, they will ‘make the cut’ based upon their supposed goodness. Eve fell into this trap. She knew what God said. She knew His standard. She knew the consequences. She knew that if she violated God’s command that she was going to die and she told that to the serpent (Gen 3:3). But the serpent (satan) said, “You will not surely die” (Gen 3:4). Do you see what happened? He spoke against God’s Word. He basically told Eve that God’s Word was not true and she made the fatal mistake of believing him. Paul tells us that Eve was “Deceived by the serpent’s cunning” (2nd Cor 11:3) and he warns not to fall into the same trap. During the Sermon on the Mount Jesus said,

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it” (Mat 7:13,14).

So what does this mean to you ? It means that there is a Broad Way, but believe me, it’s not the one you want to visit. Satan has deceived multitudes into believing that God’s Word is not true, that His standard is old-fashioned, and that His way of living is not practical today. But don’t be deceived.

Not only is God’s Word true and His way of living practical, but it is AWESOME! You can enjoy supernatural peace NOW, even when faced with challenges. You can have an indescribable joy NOW, even while surrounded by despair. You can experience God’s overwhelming love NOW, even in a world full of hate and selfishness.

Don’t take the road that “seems” right; take the one that IS right, the one that goes through Jesus!

Father, I am not deceived, neither shall I be. I know that I could never earn a right to make it to heaven. I am only going to heaven because I accepted Your Son Jesus as my Lord. I am clothed in His righteousness and His blood has cleansed me. I am whole, complete, at peace, and I have an optimistic perspective of life, because I am on the right road. I know that many are still deceived, therefore I declare, by faith, that You will use me Father to help lead them to You. Use me today to share Your truth, Your love, and Your peace with the lost, that they may come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ! In Jesus’ name. Amen!