“Do not enter the path of the wicked, And do not walk in the way of evil. Avoid it, do not travel on it; Turn away from it and pass on” (Proverbs 4:14-15).
The above passage of Scripture is truly relevant in the ever-darkening days we live in. The implosion of every form of wickedness seemingly knows no boundaries. It has reached a point where acceptance of evil has been as good as an aspect of the new normal.
Take the case where perverse practices are being part of the curriculum for preschoolers – what might be considered as sexual abuse of kids has become a tool of formal education under the auspices of the new normal! Disney has had such a horrendous makeover, so much so that it can be deemed as an affront to the many around the globe who cherish the nostalgia associated with their wonder years. Forget about Mickey, Donald, and Goofy in the original form many are familiar with – in their place at this moment is hard stuff that was once upon a time meant exclusively for mature people!
As this tide of evil continues to gain significant momentum, the author of confusion has undoubtedly capitalized on this heinous trend. This is where the master of deceit goes into full swing with the notion that unrighteousness is socially acceptable and, furthermore, a norm of a reshaped world of the future. He would certainly take a cruel step further; he would say that Christ died for all sins, so it is alright to party because, at the end of it, there is still a pardon for sure. Nothing wrong about that, as everyone is on board with it. There is still more than enough time to confess those sins before the Lord; such a loving Heavenly Father would be full of grace and mercy. He would not send them to the lake of fire!
Why, in the first place, did the above passage of Holy Writ (Proverbs 4:14-15) take a stone hard and very serious look at those who stray into the path of lawlessness? It is not a laughing matter when these practices earn the displeasure of the Heavenly Father. God is not amused; on the contrary, He is deeply grieved by such waywardness. Did He not rain down His judgment in the days of Noah – the same being so for Sodom and Gomorrah?
The notion of getting away with it is another vile tool of deception – courtesy of the evil one. So, what if there are people going off course yet going on with their lives in a decent fashion? Really the case or just another illusion? Eye and ear could only picture outward appearance, but what can be said of that which is hidden from public view? It only becomes a shocker when the veneer of deceit is torn apart.
Creation can be taken for a ride but not the Creator. He knows every deep, dirty secret. These are the things He never destined any of us for. “For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness. Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit” (1 Thess 4:7-8).
Traveling on the path of unrighteousness is indeed tantamount to rejecting God. There is a very heavy price for such a move. The enemy is given a free hand once the love of the Heavenly Father is being ridiculed. It is as good as the pathway to hell being set into motion. The evil one will hurl all his fiery darts with impunity; he can literally have many field days with his unwitting victims. There is no more hedge of protection once the love of God is spurned. The wicked one is truly cunning and intelligent; a seemingly harmless setting could implode, especially when there is a false sense of calm and safety! The powers and principalities of darkness can help themselves at the expense of the victim.
Just think for a moment about what the ultimate price to pay would be when the grace of God is turned down. One thing for sure is that there will be no more guarantees. The dark forces could sneak up at any given moment – toast in a matter of seconds! Then where is the final destination for the godless soul?
It is quite a tough call to turn down the crowd, but consider the final outcome. There is no doubt that being ostracized, marginalized, and looked down on really sucks. But having the favor of evil people counts for zero – at the end of the day, everyone in that crowd has to pay the penalty for their stance. It is truly not worth it when the so-called goodwill of unrighteous folks in a short space of time is obliterated by eternal damnation. Better to end up a loner in the eyes of the world when the reality of receiving a reward for so doing is guaranteed!
But the man or woman who puts God first is never alone. Our Heavenly Father knows every human weakness, and on that note, His grace is sufficient for all who believe in Him. Be surprised how the hand of God works in the bleakest setting, very much like streams of living water in a parched landscape so typified by incessant lawlessness. With this in mind, God is the only viable option through Jesus Christ, His Son. He will not turn down any individual who genuinely calls upon His Name.
“Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3).
There is, therefore, every good reason to stand firm while turning away from the evil path, despite the ramping up of wickedness. This truly would be a brief stint of roughing it out when a glorious eternity beckons!
Maranatha
Edwin
Contact me at edwinuk13@gmail.com