Some will remember an old French song supplied with English lyrics by Paul Anka and immortalized by Frank Sinatra in 1969. It’s expanded title, “I Did It My Way”, seems to imply a certain nobility about a stubborn conviction to do things in accordance with our own desires. However, much of the pain suffered in our world today is the result of this self-centered and selfish attitude. In contrast, the Bible is all about doing things God’s way. In reading the Bible, we soon discover that God’s way is always the best way. It is a way marked by unselfish love rather than self-centered pride. As an example, consider these words of Paul: “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3–4). This Christ-like attitude produces harmony and good will. In contrast, the “I Did It My Way” attitude results in many of the social ills that plague our world today. “My Way” is not necessarily the right way. “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death” (Proverb 14:12).
Instead, we must lose ourselves in the will of God. Paul writes, “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me” (Galatians 2:20). In another place, he says, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). We identify ourselves with Christ only as we give ourselves to Him in humble obedience to His will. Our lives take on His purpose. We want to do things His way. Jesus asks, “Why do you call Me Lord, Lord, and do not do the things I ask?” (Lk. 6:46). Our goal is to lose ourselves so completely in the will of our Master that His will becomes our will.
In the end, when we stand before our Lord in judgment, what comfort will be found in singing, “I Did It My Way”? Everlasting joy will be for those who did it God’s way. These are the ones who will hear Jesus say, “Well done, good and faithful slave!” (Matthew 25:21, 23).
— Glen Elliott —