This Does Not Seem Right
Michael E. Phillips
Proverbs 14:12 states, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” On the other hand, when the way that is wrong seems right to a man, the way which is truly right does not seem right.
Consider the following Spiritual examples: How does one become a member of a church? Man concludes, “By voting!” Who directs the church? Man establishes a church “president,” or recognizes someone as “Father.” What is the standard for the church? Man follows “council decisions” or a humanly devised “creed.” Is not this exactly the way man often views religion?
When man reads the Bible, it is often twisted (2 Peter 3:16), perverted (Galatians 1:7), or even rejected. The reason is that, to man, the Bible does not seem right. Man wants to have his own way in religion, perhaps inventing what seems to him as a “better” way. After all, to him, the Bible is outdated, in human terms. A “new hermeneutic” is sought by “change agents,” yet “Jesus Christ [is] the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8), and His inspired Word remains the same, also! This does not seem right to a man.
Let us consider some contrasts between the inspired Word of God and the conclusions of man.
OVERCOME EVIL WITH GOOD. Man seeks to follow “an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth!” It sounds fair, just, and equal to man. If someone does something bad, do something bad in return! It brings to mind the example of Peter, cutting off the right ear of Malchus at the arrest of the Savior. Yet, Jesus clearly corrected Peter, saying, “Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?” (John 18:11). The apostle Paul taught that a Christian is to do good unto his enemies, “… for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:20-21). Based on human design alone, this does not seem right, but God’s Will says it is.
RENDER BLESSING FOR RAILING. To do good to one who slanders and reproaches does not seem right. When one makes fun of the Bible plan of salvation or verbally rejects the Christian lifestyle, it is because it does not seem right to him. Jesus said, “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake” (Matthew 5:11). Sticks and stones hurt, and words do, too! Words make man desire to lash out at opponents. Yet, this is not according to the thoughts of God (Isaiah 55:8-9). Based upon man’s mind and tongue alone, it does not seem right, but the Lord even loved His enemies.
LOVE THOSE WHO HATE YOU. This does not seem right, yet, Jesus taught, “Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” (Matthew 5:43-45). Why would a man want to do such a thing? After all, it does not seem right! Yet, Scripture reveals, “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us” (Romans 8:37-38).
VICTORY OVER DEATH. Man often views death as the end of everything, but it is not! Even “death will be swallowed up in victory!” (1 Corinthians 15:54). To man, this does not seem right.
While there is a way which seems right unto a man, yet the way of the Lord is always right! Why not turn away from the way of man, and turn to the eternal way which leads unto heaven – Jesus Christ! (John 14:6) -P. O. Box 176, Belington, WV. 26250. belcoc444@yahoo.com