Proverbs 14:12-16 "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness. The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways; and a good man shall be satisfied from himself. The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going. A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident."
It is common to hear people say with regard to religious beliefs, "Well, as long as a person is sincere, that's all that counts." But is this true ? We do not consent to such reasoning in any other sphere of life, so why should we accept it in the realm of spiritual matters, which affect the present and all eternity ? For example, would sincerity be enough if a person believed he should take poison rather than cough medicine ? Or, if someone who wanted to drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco headed south instead of north, would we encourage him to continue in the wrong direction just because he was convinced he was right ? Unlike the latter example, our obligation to provide correct spiritual direction has eternal consequences.
Our text clearly refutes the "sincerity is enough" fallacy. A person may be fully convinced and entirely sincere in choosing a way that seems right to him, yet GOD warns that "the end thereof are the ways of death" (v.12). All who substitute their own ideas for what the Bible says, no matter how sincere they may be, will suffer tragic consequences when they stand before their CREATOR (Revelation 20:11-15 pictured above). The wise man "feareth" (v.16), that is, he respects what GOD says above all else and corrects his walk accordingly (v.15). The belief that "sincerity is enough" in matters of life, death, and eternity arises from satanic delusion. It is absolutely necessary to find out what GOD says about sin (Romans 3:10,23;6:23), about salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9 pictured above), and about living a life pleasing to GOD (Colossians 3:1-25). Since it is very possible to be sincerely wrong, we must look to Scripture alone for what is right because being sincere is simply not enough ! MHR
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used with permission. www.featoday.org
https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation
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