The Built-in Death Wish

(Proverbs 14:12 KJV)  There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

Here we have another recurring theme.  It is an echo of fools laughing at sin in verse 9.  The natural way of fallen man leads only to death. 

This also reflects the words of God to Saul when he was picking a future king from the sons of Jesse.

I Samuel 16:7 But the \Lord\ said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God {sees} not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the \Lord\ looks at the heart."

This verse is repeated at 16:25.

Today’s popular philosophy is “if it feels good, do it.”  For the average man on the street that is just the wrong advise.  Our natural inclination is to deeds of death.  Our natural inclination is to sin.  Only through the blood of Christ can we be made clean.  Only through the presence of the Holy Spirit can we stay clean.  The Holy Spirit can turn this on its head and by listening we can make decisions that lead to life.

So?  Pentecost is coming.  The church emphasizes this to remind us of our need for the Holy Spirit.  Seek Him.  Ask Him to fill you.  Ask him to give you a way that leads to life.  Just as the Nativity pointed toward Calvary, so Calvary points us to Pentecost.