[271 words]
Sometimes there are clues which help us to determine which way people are going. A man with a fishing pole and tackle box is going to the pond or lake; a boy with an armload of books is headed for school; a man carrying a lunch box or briefcase is headed for work. In religion we can tell which way some are going by:
The company they keep. To run with a worldly crowd can result in worldly behavior (1 Cor. 15:33).
The places they go. When Sunday outings and trips interfere with worship services then someone is headed in the wrong direction! (Hebrews 10:25). A little neglect goes a long way (to hell!) (Rev. 3:19).
The things they do. When God’s laws for marriage and the family are scorned; when lust and adultery become commonplace behavior, then someone has taken a wrong turn (Matthew 19:9; Ephesians 5:21,25; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11).
The goals they seek. The world seems to be mad: money mad, pleasure mad! “Eat, drink and be merry,” and “grab the gusto” are the sugar-coated phrases Satan uses to deceive folks as to the purpose for life. Spiritual goals are more important than material. Our world seeks grime when it could have glory! (Ecclesiastes 12:13; Matthew 16:23-26).
Although people are going about in various activities, there are basically only two ways for us to be going. You can read about them in Matthew 7:13,14. We hope you are headed in the right direction; but in case you need to make au-turn, please read Acts 2:38.
Bill Dillon
from Gospel Gems, Volume I