Wisdom from God and His Word
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.... Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. Matthew 7:13-14; 24-25 God’s word provides warning that you can be deceived into believing you are going down the right path and yet be heading toward death and destruction. People left to their own device will not naturally seek God or pursue righteousness (Rom. 3:10-18). It is through the Holy Spirit that stirs your heart to respond to Christ. Once it happens you begin to desire God’s will in your life. When you make decisions apart from the guidance of the Spirit of God, you will be like a ship trying to sail without a rudder. Then you will do what makes the most sense based on your own wisdom. What seemed to be right at the moment without the guidance and leading of the Spirit and God’s word will lead you to commit sin. “There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death” (Prov. 16:25). In the Gospel of Matthew, only God knows the way that leads to life and He wants to lead you to walk in it (Matt. 7:13-14). Be discerning and don’t immediately assume that every opportunity that arises is from God. Be aware of Satan’s tactic of deception. He will mask himself as an “angel of light” and he will present alternatives that seem to be in your best interest (2 Cor. 11:14). As Christ told His disciples, it is by listening to His word that will enable you to stand strong to principles He wants you to live by. The word of God becomes a light to your path, guiding you in the ways of righteousness (Ps. 119:105). Do not let yourself to make decisions in life without turning first by praying to the Holy Spirit asking for guidance (John 16:13). Once He reveals to you the path that you should take, trust Him as He walks with you.
Blessings.