It was a stormy night. The waves were high, the winds fierce, and the stars hidden behind angry clouds. Suddenly, from the bridge of his ship, the captain saw lights in front of him in the distance. He immediately had his signalman send a message: “I’m the captain of a large battleship. Change your course ten degrees.”
Back came a reply: “I’m a seaman first class, Sir. You change your course ten degrees.”
“I said I’m a captain. You are a seaman. I order you to change your course ten degrees,” replied the captain.
“I would, Sir, but I’m in a lighthouse and can’t change my course,” came the message from the seaman.
We find some great advice in the book of Proverbs: “There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.” It is one of the most famous Proverbs for its significant and predictable advice. The paths that many individuals travel may “seem right” but are not right. Their “enticing” ways may offer many options and choices that seem exciting and fun-filled, but ultimately, and unfortunately, destroys their lives and ends in despair and death.
The right choice often requires hard work, difficult decisions, self-sacrifice, and even ridicule. Many times the “right choice” may demand a change in lifestyle and force us to give up attractive surroundings and pleasurable experiences.
We must always remember that giving in to the passing pleasures of life often requires us to give up what matters most in life: living to please God and being blessed by Him.
Prayer: Often in life, Heavenly Father, we know the right thing to do. But knowing what is right and doing it is often difficult. Give us Your strength, we pray, to “do right.” In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture For Today: There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death. Proverbs 14:12
Great inspiration.
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