How can we measure the difference between doing what pleases God versus going our own way?
After considering the consequence of going my own way, I turned to follow you. I chose to run, not walk, toward the goal of always doing the good that your Word shows me to do. — Psalm 119:59–60 The Discussion Bible
Truth doesn’t always have its way when popular opinion shifts or when brilliant debaters twist words. Arguments can change what people think or feel about truth, but they can never alter the reality God has established. Jesus illustrated this in the story of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19–31). Even if someone returned from the dead to warn the rich man’s brothers, Jesus said they still would not believe. Why?
To receive the truth revealed in God’s Word, our hearts must first be willing to give up the misbeliefs we have thought were true.
Belief Begins with Desire
Belief is more than mental agreement. It springs from our heart’s desire. We don’t embrace truth simply because it is presented. We embrace it because we want to. Jesus said, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32), but he wasn’t talking to the Pharisees who rejected the truth. He was talking to those with a desire to hear his voice and accept what he was saying.
Imagine someone wandering in the desert. A well sits nearby, but if he believes the well is empty, he will die of thirst—even though lifegiving water is right there. The truth of the water’s presence doesn’t change, but his misbelief seals his fate.
The Spirit Guides, but We Must Yield
God does not leave us to figure out truth on our own. The Holy Spirit is present to “guide us into all truth” (John 16:13). His presence is constantly pointing us toward reality, but his work requires our cooperation.
For years, Paul resisted God’s truth as he stubbornly held to his traditional Jewish prejudice. Initially, he saw Jesus as a threat to Judaism, a heretic and a traitor to his faith. But at the same time, God’s presence was there, trying to prod him in the right direction. When Jesus appeared to him on the way to Damascus, he said it had been hard for him to resist the pricks (Acts 26:14). After three days of blindness and deep soul searching, his desire changed, and he became passionate for God’s truth.
Imagine a GPS trying to redirect a driver who ignores every instruction. The system can guide, but the wheel remains in the driver’s hands. In the same way, the Spirit provides direction, but we must yield control.
Resisting the Truth
If truth is liberating, why resist it? The answer lies in fear, pride, and comfort. Truth exposes sin, and exposure is painful. Truth demands humility, and pride wants its own way. Truth requires change, and we prefer convenience.
A man might refuse to go to the doctor because he fears a diagnosis. He convinces himself that he is fine, even as the disease progresses. Denial doesn’t erase the illness. It only delays the cure. Likewise, ignoring truth doesn’t make us safe. It leaves us vulnerable.
The Role of Choice
We stand at a crossroads. God presents truth, but we must choose to believe. From Cain and Abel, we see the consequences of choice: Abel gave his best and was blessed. Cain chose something less, with the misbelief that this was sufficient, leading to further separation from God.
We cannot escape making a decision. Even inaction is a choice. To ignore truth is to reject it. Scripture tells us that God has set life and death before us (Deuteronomy 30:19). Which do we want, blessings or curses? We can choose life and blessing—if that’s what we want. But there is a cost: We must give up our wants that conflict with what God wants.
Persuasion Working Both Ways
Persuasion is a tool wielded by both Heaven and Hell. Satan persuades by appealing to pride, desire, or fear. He persuaded a third of the angels to rebel (Revelation 12:4), proving that even beings in God’s presence can be swayed by lies.
God persuades through truth, love, and conviction. As we come to know the truth, we try to persuade others, not as manipulators but as helpers. Competing companies might try to persuade you to buy their product. Similarly, both God and Satan appeal for allegiance, but one leads to life and the other to destruction.
Living as God’s Persuaders
Once we are convinced of God’s goodness, persuasion becomes part of our testimony. We don’t argue people into the Kingdom. We shine light to draw toward truth those who love the light, not darkness. A candle doesn’t debate with darkness. It simply shines. Likewise, when we live by God’s truth, others may be drawn to the light they see in us.
God continually persuades, but he will not coerce. The Spirit whispers, Scripture points the way, and Jesus says, “Come! Follow me.” But the final decision rests with us.
Road Brand New
I thought of the mess when I went my own way, .
The potholes, the pitfalls, the price I must pay. .
The shadows grew longer. My nights turned to gloom. .
And pride only marched me straight toward my doom.
But then came a whisper, a tug on my heart, .
“Turn back to the truth. You can make a fresh start.” .
I looked at the path where God’s goodness shines through.
And right then and there, I knew exactly what to do.
Not strolling, not crawling, not dragging behind, .
I decided to run with all my heart, soul, and mind. .
God’s Word was the arrow that pointed ahead, .
Showing me the right way to follow, instead.
I ignored the easy ways that tempted my eyes. .
I dashed past the voices that fed me with lies. .
I hurdled my doubts, and I leaped over my fear, .
For eternal peace and joy was all I held dear.
His Law was my lamp. His truth was the flame, .
Burning in my spirit and calling my name. .
I hurried, I scurried, I dashed toward the light, .
And found in his mercy my heart’s true delight.
So never again will I stumble and roam, .
For running with God will lead me home. .
His voice is my guide in all that I do. .
I’m racing forever on a road brand new.
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