I DID IT MY WAY
Proverbs 14:12 – “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”
In 1968, Frank Sinatra recorded “My Way”—a song that became an anthem of self-determination. Ironically, its closest chart rival was “Amazing Grace,” a hymn of surrender. One celebrates autonomy; the other, redemption. One leads to ruin; the other, to life.
Culture urges us to “follow your heart,” but Scripture warns that the heart is deceitful (Jeremiah. 17:9). The world cheers “I did it my way,” but Jesus calls us to follow Him, saying, “I am the Way” (John 14:6).
The Danger of Doing It Our Way
Solomon observed that man’s way often feels right—but ends in death. Scripture reveals five traits of man’s path:
– Deceptive – Promises much, delivers little (Jeremiah. 17:9).
– Difficult – “The way of transgressors is hard” (Prov. 13:15).
– Depraved – “Every imagination…only evil continually” (Gen. 6:5).
– Destructive – Pride blinds us to stumbling blocks (Prov. 16:18).
– Deadly – It leads to spiritual death (Prov. 14:12).
Biblical examples abound: Adam and Eve, Cain, Lot’s wife, Ananias and Sapphira—all chose their way and met ruin.
The Invitation to God’s Way
Thankfully, Proverbs offers a better path:
– Trust – “Lean not on your own understanding” (Prov. 3:5–6).
– Favor – “The Lord knows the way of the righteous” (Ps. 1:6).
– Light – “Thy word is a lamp…” (Psalm. 119:105).God’s way is marked by surrender, Scripture, and Spirit-led direction. It’s not always easy, but it’s always life-giving.
A Living Parable
Chuck Colson, Nixon’s “hatchet man,” did things his way—until prison humbled him. There, he met Christ. His greatest failure became the launchpad for Prison Fellowship, transforming lives behind bars. He said, “My great humiliation…was the beginning of God’s greatest use of my life.”
Choose Your Path
Every day presents a fork in the road.
Ask yourself:
– Does this path begin with Christ?
– Is it marked by righteousness?
– Does it glorify God or gratify self?
For the sinner: Repent and follow Christ—the Way to life.
For the believer: Examine your steps and return to God’s path.
For the church: Teach truth, model obedience, and expose deceptive roads.Let’s stop singing “My Way” and start walking His Way.
THE LAMPLIGHTERS PROJECT 