The “Man in the Maze” design of the ancient indigenous people of the southwest reminds us of the many choices we make along the journey of life. The God of Creation has provided the wisdom necessary to make wise decisions as we navigate the maze of this life.
God has a wonderful message for us. He has provided the direction for life that we need! Unlike oral traditions that vary among people groups, God has ensured that we have an accurate, written record of Himself recorded in His Word (II Timothy 3:16-17). We can know with confidence Who God is and how we are to worship Him (John 4:23-26).
Through Thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Psalm 119:104-105
God invites us to have a personal relationship with Him. He created us as spiritual beings. We have the ability to know and worship Him (Genesis 1:27; Psalm 22:27; 95:6-7). As the Creator of all, He is the God of every tribe and nation (Acts 17:22-31). Instead of many conflicting ways, God has established one way for all people to come to Him—through His Son, Jesus Christ (I Timothy 2:3-6; Acts 4:11-12). His story is the focus of the Bible (Romans 5:6-11). The rituals of religion can never replace the peace of His presence (John 16:33). We can experience a joyful relationship with Him as we speak to God in prayer and allow Him to speak to our heart through His Written Word. He has desired this for each of us before the beginning of creation (Ephesians 1:3-4).
I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
John 14:6
God has provided the way for us to be restored to Him. Sin separates us from God. The first man rejected God’s law (Romans 5:12), and each generation since Adam has experienced physical and spiritual death (James 1:14-15). The penalty of sin is death, and we are all guilty before God (Romans 3:23). God has provided the way to be restored to Him. He gave His Son Jesus to pay the penalty of our sin (II Corinthians 5:21). Jesus died on the cross for our sins.
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world;
but that the world through Him might be saved.
John 3:16
God allows every person to choose. Do you want God’s presence? Do you desire His plan? Do you want direction from His Word to follow His path to new life? This is the most important decision in life. If you believe that Jesus, the Son of God, died on the cross and rose from the grave to take your sin away, then admit that you have sinned against God and ask Him for forgiveness (Romans 3:10, 22-24). Repent of your sin, and abandon your former ways of worship (II Corinthians 6:14-18). Pray in faith accepting God’s forgiveness. You can put your faith in God to give you new life, a new direction, and a new destination (Ephesians 2:4-10; Titus 3:4-7). His character and His ways do not change (Hebrews 13:8; Titus 1:2). He will never stop caring for you. He has prepared a home for you in His presence for eternity (John 14:1-6; 20:31).
I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.
Psalm 32:8
Shew me Thy ways, O Lord; teach me Thy paths. Lead me in Thy truth, and teach me: for Thou art the God of my salvation…
Psalm 25:4-5
God’s path is the way of blessing. God has provided all that we need for this life’s journey (II Peter 1:3-4). We need God’s daily guidance! He sends His Spirit to dwell in us the moment He saves us (Romans 15:13). We have His spiritual weapons (II Corinthians 10:3-5; Ephesians 6:10-18) against evil. God uses biblical preaching, teaching, and fellowship in the local church to grow us and to provide us opportunities to serve (Hebrews 10:25). As we grow spiritually (I Thessalonians 5:23-24; Romans 6:1-6), God can use our changed lives to give His hope to others (Matthew 5:16; I Peter 3:15).
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:
old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
II Corinthians 5:17
God’s glory is the purpose of our journey through life. He is worthy of our obedient worship in every area of our life—whether great or small (I Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 1:15-22). When we stumble, God remains merciful. We must acknowledge our weakness as we continue on His path. The Christian journey involves choices to obey daily (Colossians 2:8-11; I Peter 5:6-11). When we fail, we can ask Him to forgive us. He will never give up on those pardoned by Christ’s blood (James 4:7-10; I John 1:9).
Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power:
for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created.
Revelation 4:11
Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith;
Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross,
despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2
Is my motive to glorify God?
“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31
“Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created.” Revelation 4:11
Am I praying for God’s will to be done?
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
“All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits. Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.” Proverbs 16:2-3
“A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.” Proverbs 16:9
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” James 1:5-8
Have I searched God’s Word for timely wisdom?
“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to Thy word. With my whole heart have I sought Thee: O let me not wander from Thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee. Blessed art Thou, O LORD: teach me Thy statutes.” Psalms 119:9-12
“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Have I sought out wisdom from people who love and obey God’s Word?
“And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:” Ephesians 4:11-15
“For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.” Proverbs 24:6
“Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” Proverbs 27:6
How will this affect others in my life?
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
“But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.” 1 Corinthians 8:9
“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians 2:3-8
How will my decision affect my financial responsibilities?
“He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich. He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.” Proverbs 10:4-5
“But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.” 1 Timothy 5:8
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” 1 Timothy 6:6-10
What are the long-term consequences of this “small” decision?
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Galatians 6:7-9
“Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.” Hebrews 11:25-26
Am I setting myself up to fail spiritually?
“The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.” Romans 13:12-14
“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth He any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” James 1:12-15
“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13
Who is influencing me and my decisions?
“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in His law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.” Psalms 1:1-6
“Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” 1 Corinthians 15:33
“Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.” Ephesians 5:6-11
“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him: Rooted and built up in Him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” Colossians 2:6-8
Am I avoiding relationships or partnerships that God cannot bless?
“I am a companion of all them that fear Thee, and of them that keep Thy precepts.” Psalms 119:63
“Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” Amos 3:3
“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” 2 Corinthians 6:14
Have I patiently researched the options?
“Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly.” Proverbs 13:16
“He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.” Proverbs 18:13
“A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.” Proverbs 22:3
Am I willing to do what is right even if it is the difficult choice?
“Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out. Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find? The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.” Proverbs 20:5-7
“But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6
A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.
Proverbs 16:9
Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in Thy presence is fulness of joy…
Psalm 16:11