Proverbs 16:25, "There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death."

Think

Have you ever been completely confident of something you saw or heard only to find out later that you were completely wrong? It can happen to all of us. Especially when we're blinded by our pride. In this verse, what is this way that seems right to you and me, but ends up going dreadfully wrong? It is the way of our ego. It's shaking our fist at God and saying, "It's my life and I will do as I please!" When we edge God out of our lives and live as if we know best, we will find ourselves taking a detour that we didn't intend! The truth is most of us don't like rules, especially the rules that are set by God. We think we know best and can ignore the boundaries our Heavenly Father has set. We believe we are invincible and can walk the ledge of compromise. But, whether we want to admit it or not, our repeated failures prove that we are not invincible. God is not a killjoy. His rules are for our protection. Think of the word "RULES" in this fashion: Restrictions that Underscore Love and Enjoyment Strategically. God wants the best for our lives, but we must trust that his way, not our way, is the best. There is a way that is right, God's way, and that way always leads to successful living!

Act

Recall a rule that God has established that you chose to ignore. Remember the fallout from that bad choice. Resolve from this moment forward to choose to do life God's way.

Pray

Heavenly Father, as I remember that moment when I failed to follow your way, I thank you for your forgiveness. I choose your way, your rules for living life. In Jesus' name, Amen.