THE WAY WHICH SEEMETH RIGHT
By W. H. Bunch
W. H. BUNCH
(McKinley, Ore.) “THERE is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Very often in our experience a course of action presents itself, or is presented by the wily enemy, which seems altogether harmless, and in perfect accord with Christian ethics, at least it is not discountenanced by the lives of the majority of our professedly Christian associates. We may feel the gentle warning of the Spirit of God, yet no scripture comes to our mind which pointedly condemns or satisfactorily sustains such a course. It seems right, and too often Satan gains a signal triumph over us, and misleads others through our influence, just because through the presence of evil we lose sight of the facts that “every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord pondereth the hearts.” Under the rapidly increasing light of the Third Angel’s Message there is no place for a “way which seemeth right;” for if such is the only basis for our hope, the result is clearly stated in the scripture introducing the article. Our words and daily Christian deportment must bear the stamp of positive assurance. We must know that our Redeemer lives. Our unswerving adherence to principle under every circumstance must show in our lives the verification of the promise: “If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine.” John 7:17. The admonition comes to us with unmistakable clearness: “Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls.” Jer. 6:16. The “old paths” and the “good way” do not seem the most desirable from the popular point of view, but along this route, guided by the unfailing light of God’s word, have walked patriarchs, prophets, martyrs,—the blood-bought throng of all ages,—and into its narrow, blood-stained limits are now filing God’s remnant people. Let there be no drawing back, no trifling with ways which may “seem right;” for we know “that the kingdom of God is at hand,” and our ears hear the guiding words, “This is the way, walk ye in it.” “Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.” Luke 8:18.