Opening Verse:
“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”— Proverbs 14:12 (KJV)
Introduction:
Being right in the eyes of men doesn’t always mean you are right with God. Two biblical figures remind us of this lesson: Uzzah, who touched the Ark of the Covenant to steady it, and Simon the Sorcerer, who tried to buy the Holy Spirit’s power. Both thought they were doing something acceptable, but their hearts were far from right with God.
Devotional Story:
Uzzah’s story, found in 2 Samuel 6:6-7, is a sobering example. As the Ark of the Covenant was being transported, Uzzah reached out to steady it when the oxen stumbled. Although he might have believed he was protecting something holy, God struck him dead on the spot. His action seemed reasonable, but it violated God’s clear instructions about how the Ark was to be handled. Uzzah failed to recognize the holiness of God and the need to obey Him completely.
Similarly, in Acts 8:18-23, Simon the Sorcerer believed he could buy the power of the Holy Spirit after seeing the apostles perform miracles. He thought in human terms, where influence and power can be purchased, but his heart was not right before God. Peter rebuked him sharply, pointing out that Simon’s thoughts were poisoned by greed and self-interest.
Both Uzzah and Simon were technically “right” by human standards—they sought to do something that made sense in the moment. Yet, both were spiritually wrong because their hearts did not align with God’s will.
What This Means:
Being technically right, doing something that looks or feels correct, can be dangerous if we are not spiritually aligned with God’s will. God desires obedience and a heart that seeks Him above all. Uzzah’s mistake was in disregarding God’s instructions, and Simon’s was in thinking that the power of God could be manipulated for personal gain. Both stories teach us the importance of understanding God’s holiness and approaching Him with reverence and sincerity.
Think About This:
Are there areas in your life where you might be technically right but spiritually wrong? Are you seeking to honor God with not only your actions but your heart? Take time to examine your motives and align them with God’s will.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help me to walk in obedience and to understand Your holiness. Guide me to have a heart that seeks You above all else. May my actions be motivated by a desire to honor You, not by what seems right in my own eyes. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Closing Verse:
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.”— Psalm 111:10 (KJV)