12 There is a way that seems right to a man,
but in the end it leads to death.
13 Even in laughter the heart may ache,
and joy may end in grief.
14 The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways,
and the good man rewarded for his.
15 A simple man believes anything,
but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.
16 A wise man fears the LORD and shuns evil,
but a fool is hotheaded and reckless.
17 A quick-tempered man does foolish things,
and a crafty man is hated.
18 The simple inherit folly,
but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
(Proverbs 14:12-18)
Several times over the course of the past few months I have had people use the expression found in the title of today's devotion: "It is what it is!" Usually the statement is made as an excuse for why it isn't what it ought to be- as though it was perfectly acceptable for the state of whatever it is to be as it is. Instead of being ashamed or embarrassed to be as it is- whatever it is-is elevated to a new level of respectability if not honor. No longer does whatever it is feel the pressure to change. Now I must live under the pressure of accepting it as it is and living with it whether I like it or not.
Do you have those "It is What It is" situations in your life? Its seems like not only are they here to stay, but It is What It is have intruded into our world with a whole new system of values which now we are obliged to accept. We can't seem to do anything about "what it is" except to grit our teeth, hold our nose, and swallow what it is they insist that we accept.
Solomon, however, dealt with those people and situations all the time. One of them in verse 12 "There is a way that seems right to a man." First of all , this kind of person does not believe in absolute truth, but believes that his own way is better than your way or even God's way. He may even lead you to accept it by saying that while it may not be right for you, it is right for him. Without any way to be objective about the way he has taken, he will not listen to you when you try to tell him that he has taken the wrong road. Sadly, his way is the way of death like so many millions who chose no absolute truth and "It is What it is" over salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. He is heading for a sheer drop off from which he will never recover. I wonder if he will say, "It is What it is", then?
Satan has tried to feed us the lie that all the roads lead up the same mountain. They do not. Some might begin at the bottom of the same mountain we are on, only to lead to a lead end or over the edge of a cliff. We cannot afford the luxury of hoping and wondering if we are on the right road anymore. We need to know it before we ever get on it. Christ has provided that certainly beyond any doubt. God's Word has also said, in I John 5:13 "These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God." When you get on that road, you will never have to say, "It is what it is" or even "is this all that there is," but "This is it and I'm glad!"
Prayer: Thank you God for the confidence and the assurance to see Your truth in the midst of other things in this world that clamor for my time and attention. Thank You for Jesus Christ who said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life."
Have a blessed day!
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