Today's Reading: Judges 17

 Right In Their Own Eyes

The ways of the LORD are right.  When we follow His ways, we are right and we are doing rightly.  The prophet Hosea told us, “Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them; for the ways of the Lord are right, and the upright walk in them” (Hosea 14:9).  Psalm 19:8 says, “The precepts of the Lord are right.”  And Psalm 33:4 says, “For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. ... the King of heaven, for all His works are true and all His ways are just.”

Those who follow the word of the LORD are right.  Inversely, those who follow the ways of man or humanity are not always right.  Even when those ways may “seem” right in their own eyes.  Tragically, the Israelites had forsaken the word of the Lord and everyone began doing what was right in their own eyes.  And, tragically today, this is the story of so many who choose the ways of humanity rather than the ways of God.  Our society has brainwashed millions/billions of people into thinking that everyone has “their own truth” and can decide for themselves what is “right for them.”  They teach that there is no real objective standard of right and wrong.  There is not a single “right way.” 

Jesus vigorously disagreed with this “existential” philosophy when He said, “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”  Judges 17:6 is an insightful verse, giving us a look behind the scenes of Israel’s failure as a nation.  This verse is an insight into the moral degeneracy of a Nation. They had lost the fact that God was to be their king. They had lost the consciousness of that fact that God’s ways were the right ways. And everyone, rather than being ruled by God, was doing that which was right in their own eyes. It was a period of anarchy. And this was what led to Israel’s downfall and defeat at the hands of their enemies. And, if our society doesn’t reverse course, it will lead to the same for us. 

How about you?  Is there an area of your life where you have let humanity set the standard of “right” rather than letting God’s word prescribe the true standard.  Is there some attitude in your heart or action in your life that is “right in your own eyes” but truth be told, God is not on board?  Take some time today and seek God on this matter. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you any area of your heart or life that needs to be brought under His rulership.  Give that area to Him.  Turn from it.  Always keep in mind that God’s ways are not man’s ways.  “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” (Proverbs 14:12) Be sure to rid yourself of any such way.