The Road to Hell

“Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (MSG)

They say the road to hell is paved with good intentions! Often attributed to Samuel Johnson; and over time it has settled into this phrase.

Time ticks on and markers in my timeline such as the New Testament Passover, annual Autumn Festival, birthday, anniversary, secular New Year, can be used for personal reflection. How am I doing? Do I still have the same issues? Has my approach or response changed? And if so, how?

Often we have good intentions, we try to do good things, but the results sometime aren’t so good. We, however, are not alone—the Apostle Paul also struggled with this and he mentioned it in Romans 7:19 for all to see. Yet not all adversity in our lives is bad. Negative experiences can actually help us relate to others and also enable us to help people who cross our paths going through difficult times (1 Corinthians 10:11, Romans 15:4). Romans 8:28 also tells us that all things work for good to those who love God.

Fortunately for us, God renews His mercies every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23), which means that we get a fresh start every day, a clean slate, or a do-over as we read in a recent Day by Day. So, whether we had, like the Queen a few years back, an ‘annus horribilis,’ or a fantastic year, we are still encouraged to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18), and in that growing we must ask ourselves are we being kind, forgiving, compassionate? For if not, it all amounts to a lot of empty noise (I Corinthians 13:1-13).

Hell isn’t merely paved with good intentions; it’s walled and roofed with them. Yes, and furnished too (Aldous Huxley).  Thank goodness for Grace!

Prayer
Loving Eternal Father, thank You for giving us daily inspiration and instruction in your written word; such encouragement.  Help us to use it to grow in Your grace, knowledge and compassion. In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen 

Study by Jackee Brown

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About the Author:
Jackee Brown is a member in the Worldwide Church of God UK Congregation in London.

Local Congregation:
Worldwide Church of God London
Indian YMCA Student Hostel
Mahatma Gandhi Hall
41 Fitzroy Square
LONDON W1T 6AQ

Meeting Time:
Saturday 2:30pm

Local Congregational Contact:
Martin Ryan
Phone:  07958 386944
Email: martin_ryan@wcg.org.uk