W1D2 My Way

READ THE BIBLE

Proverbs 21:2

A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart.

For further reading:

1 John 2:15 [Amplified Version] Do not love or cherish the world or the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh [craving for sensual gratification] and the lust of the eyes [greedy longings of the mind] and the pride of life [assurance in one’s own resources or in the stability of earthly things]—these do not come from the Father but are from the world [itself]. And the world passes away and disappears, and with it the forbidden cravings (the passionate desires, the lust) of it; but he who does the will of God and carries out His purposes in his life abides (remains) forever.

REFLECT ON WHAT IT MEANS

A school teacher in the USA lost her life savings in a business scheme that had been elaborately explained by a swindler. When her investment disappeared and her dream was shattered, she went to the Better Business Bureau. They’re an independent organisation in the USA that promotes trust in business. “Why on earth didn’t you come to us first?” the official asked. “Didn’t you know about the Better Business Bureau?” “Oh, yes,” said the lady sadly. “I’ve always known about you. But I didn’t come because I was afraid you’d tell me not to do it.” How complicated we can be as people! Like this lady, we can convince ourselves, at one level, that we’re doing the right thing. But we also can have some other motive going on deep inside us at the same time. The trouble is, we often don’t admit it to others or ourselves, or dare to face up to it.

In 1968 the famous singer Frank Sinatra co-wrote a song that became a best-seller and is a favourite for karaoke performers; “My Way.” In part, it’s a statement of Sinatra’s own beliefs about his life. He felt proud to have done it all his way, but there was a huge amount in his life that turned out really badly for him including broken marriages, links with organised crime and a 2,000 page file with the FBI!

The Bible verses from yesterday and today tell us that people want to be like Frank Sinatra: doing life their way. But we should ask ourselves honestly, “Is doing life my way really the best way for me?” This verse tells us that we may think our own way is right, but God looks deeper into our lives and sees the real us. He sees our mixed motives, complicated arguments and the mind-games we use to convince ourselves something is okay when—clearly—it isn’t. How about you? Ask yourself honestly: “What does God see when he looks at my heart? My way or his way?”

RELATE IT TO YOUR LIFE

Can you think of an important time or event in your past where you wish you’d done something differently? How would you have done that thing now? How would God want you to have done that thing? Would you agree that “My Way” can work out badly?

RESPOND WITH A DECLARATION

“God, please help me to see that my own way often gets me into problems and doesn’t work. Please help me see the real motives of my heart as you see them.”