All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord. Proverbs 16:2
In Proverbs 16:1, we are reminded that while man makes his plans, the only right answer comes from God. Furthering this perspective, Proverbs 16:2 assesses one’s view of life as imperfect and incomplete compared to how God weighs the motives of man. Regardless of how diligent one may pursue the perfect course in life, God always has the last word. Only God orders our ways perfectly, regardless of how “right” our ways may seem to ourselves. So, one may make plans. However, faith represents surrendering those plans and dreams to God so that He can perfectly order our way. This is done not merely to allow God to edit what has been devised by human plans, but to recognize by faith that our lives are under God’s complete jurisdiction. We desperately need Him and must consistently surrender our ways to His.
This theme of God’s perfect way discovered in Proverbs 16 continues in the New Testament. James 4:14 presents life’s vapor-like brevity which rightly brings pause to one’s self-laid confidence and excites trust in God who offers eternal life through Jesus Christ. The greater package of this truth from James addressed the often-practiced mistake of taking life for granted without dependence upon the One who authors life’s every breath. James spoke against any attitude that would in essence say, “today or tomorrow we will go to such and such city to find our success” (James 4:13). James then offered the proper attitude: “if the Lord wills we will do this or that” (James 4:15). In between these two alternatives, James announces that no one knows what tomorrow brings, for life is but a mist. (James 4:14) Therefore, above all the inclinations of humankind, beyond all well intended plans, and above all the noble pursuits one can devise, we are desperately dependent upon God, who has ultimate authority over all things. He has the last word because He is God. He has the last word because He is just, He is loving, He is wise, and He truly cares for our lives.
So, while we may dream and sketch out plans, we are called by God Himself to ultimately surrender our plans to God and constantly live by the words of faith, “If the Lord wills.”
Don’t stop dreaming. Don’t subtract your efforts from life. Don’t give up making plans. But, personally grasp God’s principle of success for life, and relinquish everything to Him. He will order your steps. He will make a way. And, His way is perfect.
As you consider this truth governing your life, remember that God has made the ultimate way – Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” So today, live by faith in Jesus. And as your faith rests secure in Christ, daily surrender your way to God. There is nothing greater or more exciting that witnessing God directing your steps. Trust Hm.
Blessings in Christ,
Ken
