The Tried Way

Bible Reading:  Lamentations 3:37-54

Key Verse: Verse 40- “Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD.”

Key Words: try our ways

In one of our previous devotions we were told that all of our ways are clean in our own eyes.  How true!  But here Jeremiah tells us to go the extra mile to make sure we are right first.  He says “search” (examine), then he tells us to try (put to the test) to make sure we are right.

There is a three-fold test you can take to see if you are indeed right.

First, there is the Scripture test.  Does what I am doing (not others…me…Romans 14:12) line up with the Scriptures?

Second, there is the submissive test.  Am I obeying those who have the rule over me?

Third, there is the spirit test.  Is my spirit right?

If you fail any one of these, back up, bow down, and lift up your voice and ask God to forgive you.

The comedian Jeff Foxworthy became famous with his routine, "You might be a redneck if . . . " Here are some of my favorites: 

• You might be a redneck if the directions to your house include the phrase "turn off the paved road." 
• You might be a redneck if your front porch collapses and four dogs get killed.
• You might be a redneck if you took a fishing pole to Sea World.
• You might be a redneck if you have to go outside to get something out of the ’fridge.
• You might be a redneck if your dad walks you to school because you’re both in the same grade.
• You might be a redneck if you have flowers planted in a bathroom fixture in your front yard.
• You might be a redneck if you think the last words to the Star Spangled Banner are: “Gentlemen, start your engines.”

Likewise, you might be a Pharisee if you spend more time talking about the sins of others than you do in repenting and confessing your own.

While we laugh at these, the truth is if we fail to try our ways, we look just as foolish.  So let me encourage you, don’t just assume you’re right because you think so or because others say you are.  Try your ways.

                                                                             Dr. Mike Rouse

What to do:  

✞Try your ways by the 1) Scripture test; 2) Submissive test; and 3) the Spirit test.