G*d's Way is the High Way

Week 2 - Day 11

"For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts" (Isaiah 55:9). G*d's ways are very different than our ways and must be intentionally pursued. "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind..." (Romans 12:2)

Proverbs 13:15 states that "the way of the way of the unfaithful is hard." If you want long-term unhappiness, do it your way. Do you want long-term joy? Then, do it G*d's way.

Let's imagine that you ask two people to stand before you. The first has served Jesus all his life with true love, humility, faith, and following the ways of G*d. The second has served the devil from his youth. He has done it his way in regards to relationships, choices, money sex, attitudes, and other areas. How do you think these two would compare? It would be obvious that G*d's ways are a blessing and our ways lead to a curse.

There is "pleasure in sin for a season" (Hebrews 11:25). It may appear that G*d's people are missing out on the "fun" of this world; but deep joy comes through healthy relationships, godly attitudes, wise choices, and an eternal perspective. G*d's joy will far exceed any temporary thrill that comes from doing it our own way. (We are like a car that runs best when the owner's manual is followed. It's dumb to ignore the red light on the dashboard!)

So, do we do it our way or G*d's way? Do we build on the rock or on the sand (Matthew 7:24-27)? The quality of our lives and the quality of our emotions are influenced dramatically by our choices in life. It is the wise person who puts off temporary pleasure for lasting and eternal joy. Jesus "endured the cross for the joy that was set before Him" (Hebrews 12:2). We may have to experience short-term "suffering" (1 Peter 4:1) by committing to purity, honesty, the marriage covenant, forgiveness, ministry to others, and obeying G*d; but the reward will be great for us (and our descendents). Truly, G*d's ways are indescribably good.

Declaration: I love G*d's ways. I build my life on the rock of G*d's word. I obey G*d, and my joy is full as a result.