My family and I were sitting around our backyard fire pit one evening years ago when we saw a moth fly directly into the flames. My seven-year-old grandson, William, immediately cried out, "Why would that moth fly into the fire? Why would he do that? Why, why, why?" We all tried to calm William down and allay his fears, but the incident gave me food for thought.

It brought to mind the Scripture that says, "There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end, it leads to death." (Proverbs 16:25 NIV) The Bible talks a lot about how appearances can be deceiving. Jesus Himself said, "Stop judging by mere appearances and make a right judgment." (John 7:24 NIV) Foods and drinks that look and taste good can actually ruin our health. Bad habits that bring momentary pleasure can rob us of our vitality and longevity. Wrong relationships can wreak havoc on our hearts, minds, and emotions. And wrong financial decisions can lead to loss and lack.

As followers of Christ - possessing "the mind of Christ," and being filled with the Holy Spirit - you and I have the potential to make good decisions, in spite of "mere appearances." (1 Corinthians 2:16) In order to live this way, though, we are going to have to learn to pray for God's wisdom and insight in every matter that concerns us - and then we are going to have to submit to the Lord's leadership.

And when people we care about are about to make a devastating decision, we can offer them wisdom from the Scriptures such as this: "You can rationalize it all you want and justify the path of error you have chosen, but you'll find out in the end that you took the road to destruction." (Proverbs 14:12 TPT) Is there someone who can benefit from your words of warning today?

Prayer: Lord, help me to seek You for Your wisdom and guidance in every area of my life, and in every situation and circumstance. Remind me often that appearances can be deceiving, and that the enemy of my soul is constantly trying to mislead me. Make me sensitive to any warnings that you send my way, and help me to be receptive to the godly advice of others. Thank You that as I choose Your will and Your way every day, I will always receive Your highest and best!