James was visiting friends in Newfoundland where he was helping others share the good news of God’s salvation with children. But one day he and two other helpers had some free time, and they decided to take a hike. It is beautiful in Newfoundland. The island, off the east coast of Canada, is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean with its crashing waves, and it has many beautiful views of the ocean and fjords, or lakes, nestled far below high cliffs. This hike was going to be in Gros Morne National Park where they hoped to take advantage of the beautiful view of a deep, clear fjord from the top of Gros
Morne mountain.
At first, there was a slow, steady hike up through forests, but then there was a tougher climb going up a steeper, rocky path as they climbed the mountain. As they went, they couldn’t enjoy the view, because there was too much fog. When they got to the top, it was cold and still foggy. So much for enjoying the beautiful view! The fog was so thick it completely covered the trail, so they could only see about six feet in front of them. Even more importantly, the trail was not well marked for such foggy conditions. Now that they were at the top of the mountain, scattered piles of rocks were all that marked the hard rock trail. But, they needed to get out of the park and home for dinner. After huddling behind a rock for some warmth while they hurriedly ate the lunch they had packed, they continued with the hike.
James was in the lead when they came to a fork in the trail. Unsure of which way to go, he studied the path a moment and then headed left. He hadn’t gone more than a few steps when Sarah’s voice stopped him.
“James, are you sure this is the way?”
No, he wasn’t, and he admitted it. He turned around, went back to the fork in the trail, studied it a bit more, and decided they really should go to the right. Eventually they came down out of the mountain safely and back to their car.
The next day, they heard that a lone hiker from another part of Canada had walked off a cliff in the fog and died. James and his friends remembered that a lone man had passed them, walking fast, as they were hiking. They hadn’t seen him again. He could have been the one who died, if he had turned left and walked off the cliff in the fog, just as they would have done if they hadn’t turned back.
How glad James was that he had listened when his friend asked him if he was sure he was going the right way! The Bible tells us that “there is a way that [seems] right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 16:2525There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. (Proverbs 16:25)). Not listening to his friend could have ended in death.
At times, you may find yourself with people who are going the wrong way. If you follow them, you could be in a way that ends in death. This may be by trying things you know are wrong, things that can be hard to escape from. You can be a true friend to them and warn them that they are going the wrong way. Maybe you’ll be able to tell them about the Lord Jesus, who is “The Way” that leads to life eternal. (See John 14:66Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6).) The best thing is not to have friends who don’t want to obey the Lord Jesus, so if you find that your friends start going the wrong way in life and will not turn around, it’s best to stay away from them.
The Bible says, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that [listens] unto counsel is wise” (Proverbs 12:1515The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise. (Proverbs 12:15)). Sometimes you might be the one who is going the wrong way. It is important to listen if someone warns you that you are going the wrong way. If you won’t listen, but think that your way is right, what does Proverbs 12:1515The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise. (Proverbs 12:15) say that you are?
Messages of God’s Love 11/24/2024