God's way vs. Man's way

In our journey through life, we often find ourselves at a crossroads, faced with choices that can lead us down two distinct paths: God's way or man's way. While it may seem that both offer viable options, the truth is that God's way is not just better – it's the only way that leads to true fulfillment and eternal life.

Let's explore three key areas where God's way and man's way diverge, and reflect on how we can align our lives more closely with God's perfect plan.

1. Marriage: God's way is to Mend what is broken, Man's way is to cut it off

In Matthew 19, we see Jesus confronted by Pharisees who ask about the permissibility of divorce. Their question reflects man's way of thinking – seeking loopholes and easy exits from difficult situations. Jesus, however, redirects the conversation to God's original intent for marriage: a lifelong covenant built on love, faithfulness, and partnership.

God's way in marriage is to mend what is broken, not to cut it off at the first sign of trouble. When we face challenges in our relationships, our instinct may be to look for the exit ramp. But God calls us to a higher standard – to work through difficulties, to forgive, and to love sacrificially as Christ loved the church.

Consider this: There is no such thing as a perfect marriage because there are no perfect people. Every marriage will face challenges. The question is not whether problems will arise, but how we will respond when they do. Will we seek God's way of restoration and healing, or will we follow man's way of cutting ties and moving on?

If you're struggling in your marriage, don't wait until it becomes a major crisis to seek help. Deal with issues while they're still manageable. Remember, there are no truly "irreconcilable differences" – only people unwilling to reconcile. God can heal and restore any marriage if both parties are willing to do what it takes.

2. Valuing Others: God's way is to see opportunities for ministry, man's way is to see inconveniences

In the same chapter, we see Jesus' disciples rebuking people for bringing children to Him. Their actions reflect man's way of thinking – viewing certain individuals (in this case, children) as unworthy of time and attention. Jesus, however, welcomes the children, stating that "the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

God's way is to see every person as valuable, created in His image and worthy of love and respect. Man's way often measures others by their usefulness or what they can contribute. We may unconsciously categorize people into inner circles (those closest to us), friends, and mere acquaintances, allocating our time and attention accordingly.

But what if we saw every interaction, every request for help, as a ministry opportunity rather than an inconvenience? What if we viewed people through the lens of God's love, rather than our own limited perspective?

Challenge yourself to look beyond your immediate circle. See the value in every person you encounter, just as Jesus did. You never know how a small act of kindness or a moment of your time might impact someone's life and draw them closer to God.

3. Salvation: Man's way is to try and earn their salvation, God's way is to receive it by faith.

Perhaps the most crucial difference between God's way and man's way is in the matter of salvation. In Matthew 19, a rich young man approaches Jesus, asking what good deed he must do to have eternal life. This question epitomizes man's way of thinking about salvation – as something that can be earned through good works or religious observance.

Jesus' response turns this notion on its head. After listing several commandments, which the young man claims to have kept, Jesus tells him to sell all his possessions, give to the poor, and follow Him. The man goes away sad, unable to part with his wealth.

This interaction reveals a profound truth: salvation cannot be earned. Man's way is to try to reach God through our own efforts, to compile a list of good deeds that we hope will outweigh our sins. God's way, however, is to reach down to us, offering salvation as a free gift that can only be received by faith.

The disciples, astonished by Jesus' words about the difficulty of the rich entering the kingdom of heaven, ask, "Who then can be saved?" Jesus' reply is both humbling and hopeful: "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

This truth should both relieve and challenge us. We can stop striving to earn God's favor through our own efforts – an impossible task. Instead, we're called to believe by faith in Jesus Christ, accepting His sacrifice on our behalf and committing to follow Him.

But following Jesus isn't just about praying a prayer and then living life as we please. It's about surrendering our will to His, being willing to give up everything – our possessions, our relationships, our very lives – for His sake. Jesus promises that those who do so "will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life."

As we navigate the complexities of life, let's remember that there are always two paths before us: God's way and man's way. God's way may not always be the easiest or most comfortable, but it is always the best. It leads to healing in our relationships, genuine love for others, and eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.

So today, ask yourself: Which path am I choosing? Am I seeking to mend what's broken in my relationships, or am I looking for an easy way out? Am I viewing others as ministry opportunities or inconveniences? Am I trying to earn my salvation, or am I receiving it by faith?

Let's commit to walking in God's way, trusting that His path, though sometimes challenging, always leads to life, peace, and true fulfillment. For with God, all things are possible.