Following My Own Way
Be encouraged by today’s Scripture reflection and prayer.
Today's Scripture
Jeremiah 2:22 (ESV)
"Though you wash yourself with lye and use much soap, the stain of your guilt is still before me, declares the Lord God."
Reflection
Jeremiah is a heavy book. But this verse stopped me. Maybe because it speaks directly to the stance of the human heart: thinking we’re doing well when we’re actually going the wrong way.
It reminds me of conversations with someone who refuses to listen. Every truth is met with a reason, an excuse, a deflection. That’s what it looks like when we’re blinded by our own desires, believing we’re clean, while living sin-stained lives.
The Israelites did the same. They insisted they weren’t bowing to Baal. But God didn’t just say not to bow, He said don’t even follow the practices of the nations around them. Maybe they thought they were fine. Maybe the culture around them felt good, even normal. Maybe it helped them blend in.
But God saw the stain they couldn’t.
Following my own way has led me into more trouble than I’d like to admit. And I’ve had to come face-to-face with the truth that just because I feel clean doesn’t mean I am. Rituals don’t purify us. Morality doesn’t justify us. Not committing adultery doesn’t erase a bitter or prideful heart.
Without Christ, no matter how hard we scrub, we are still sin-stained.
That truth humbles me. It breaks down self-righteousness and reminds me how much I need Jesus, not once, but daily. He alone can wash what I can’t. And He alone is the righteousness I cannot earn.
Today's Prayer
Father, I confess how often I try to clean myself up in my own strength. Forgive me for the times I’ve followed my own way, thinking it was enough. Show me the truth of my heart and lead me back to Jesus. Thank You for the cleansing that only comes through Him. In His name, amen.
Before You Go
Even when you think you’re doing okay, it’s possible to be living a sin-stained life.
Take a moment to examine the path you're on. Are you following Christ or just following what feels right to you?
Don’t settle for appearing clean on the outside. Ask the Lord to search your heart and reveal what only He can cleanse.
Did you miss it? Don’t worry—you can still catch up.
👉 When You Think It's Too Late
