Proverbs 10:25

There is a way that seems right to a man but in the end is the way of death.

For most of us, we would not choose the wrong way because we know it’s the wrong way. Yet, we often choose the way that “seems right” because it feels right. This “seems like” life is so devastating to our relationships and friendships. If you are saying it “seems like” or “it feels like” I would like to suggest that something is wrong because what it “seems like” or what it “feels like” is not what is real or true! I have trained myself to pay attention to these phrases showing up in my life. When they do it is like an alert system for me. It is a red flag for me to wake up to what is really going on. It’s time for me to pay attention to my emotions. When I reflect after hearing “seems like” come out of my mouth I usually find that my feelings have been lying to me and I am living less them God’s best for me.

3 Dangerous Things About The Way That Seems Right: 

1. Assumption: An assumption is when I see or feel something and decide that what it “seems like/feels like” is true. Maybe you are like me when you are assuming? I start listing the things I saw or heard to prove what I feel.
2. Pride: I believe that I am right. No amount of rational thought will persuade me that I could be wrong when I am in the grip of “seems like.”
3. Division: Assumptions plus pride always cause division. I end up moving forward with an offense in my heart. Then in bad form, I will go to someone who is not a part of the situation and tell them what it “seems like/feels like.” I give them my proof and my intensity of emotion to show how this has affected me.

 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.

“Seems like” are thoughts that try to take preeminence over the truth. Assumptions are sneaky little thought markers that can get us so far off course. We take them as truth without checking them out. They lead us down a way that seems right but is so deadly.

Let’s take a little test, have you ever said these in your mind or heart or even to a friend:

“It seems like they don’t like me!” 

“It feels like she/he is out to get me!” 

“It seems like everything is a mess!” 

“It feels like they don’t trust me or something!” 

Notice that all of these have an accusative tone. Which is another red flag! The enemy of our souls is the accuser of the brethren. If you know Jesus as your Savior then the enemy can’t accuse you to the Father’s face because of the sacrifice Christ made for you.  He will try to use your emotions to accuse your friends and family. He majors in causing division and pain. You are being used. I have wasted so many hours of my life just trying to prove that I was right. The most devastating part of living the “seems like” life; is that our soul becomes so infected by what we think we know, and by what we think we feel, that we will build walls to protect ourselves from people, who have no clue what was happening. – Tweet That!

So, what do we do about it!

3 Thing To Help Overcome The Seems Like Life: 

1. Become Aware: Train yourself to notice when you say or think “it seems like/feels like” and get curious about why you just said that.
2. Take Personal Responsibility: Realize that what is happening in you is about you and not other people. Question your assumptions. Find out what you actually know and what you assume you know. The go find answers.
3. Be Vulnerable: Go to the people or person and ask them some clarifying questions about the situation to help clean up your thought life. The act of vulnerability has a way of producing connection and compassion between people.

If the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23) then the way that seems right is laced with sin because its end is also death. Death to our relationships. Death to our growth. Death to our souls.  Stop being distracted by what is not fruitful. Learn to become aware. Get curious. Be brave. Be bold. Be vulnerable and go ask!

3 Things You Will Gain:

• You will gain self-control over your emotions and thoughts.
• You will gain confidence and a healthy soul.
• You will gain respect and a true connection with your peers.

Thanks for Listening,

Starla