Man's way VS. God's Way

The human heart
Man's way
People say "Mankind is basically good." We hear, "I'm OK, you're OK."

God's way
The heart is desperately wicked, who can know it(Jeremiah17:9)? All have sinned(Romans3:23). Trust the Lord completely; do not ever trust yourself(Proverbs3:5, 28:26).
----------------------------------------------
Trust/dependence
Man's way
Some say, "If I don't take care of myself no one else will." Self-reliance is supposed to be a goal for life.

God's way
God says if you will seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, He will meet your needs (Matthew6:33). Do not depend on your own understanding; instead, seek God's way. (Proverbs3:5-6)
----------------------------------------------
Freedom
Man's way
We're told everyone must protect and guard his own rights and that each person is born to live free (i.e., freedom of expression, free speech). It is said we only live under authority because of our common social contact.

God's way
Apart from God, you are a slave to sin (Romans6:16). The one who focuses on saving his life will lose it; but if you are willing to lose your life for His sake, God promises your life will be saved(Luke9:23-24). Be subject to those in authority over you(Romans13:1; Hebrews13:17)
.
------------------------------------------------
My problems
Man's way
We sometimes think "No one can really understand my problems;" and we may believe that each problem and set of circumstances are unique.

God's way
Your problems are common to mankind. God promises to help you through them so that you do not have to sin or lose your peace and joy if you will choose to live life His way(1Corinthians10:13).
-------------------------------------------------
My enemy is successful
Man's way
Enemies are to be hated and their success is to envied. We try to discredit our adversaries and to win over them.

God's way
Rejoice in any situation(Romans12:14-15; 1 Thessalonians5:16). Love and pray for those who view themselves as your enemies(Matthew5:44).
--------------------------------------------------
Love
Man's way
Marriage is often viewed as a social convenience. People seek to find a spouse who can meet their own needs. Loving another depends on a reciprocal love from that person.

God's way
You focus in marriage is to put the interests of your spouse above your own and to reflect Christ in your marriage relationship(Ephesians5:22-33; Philippians2:3-4). Biblical love is giving not getting (John 3:16; 1Corinthians13:4-8).
--------------------------------------------------
I hurt someone
Man's way
We seek to justify our actions and give excuses for our behavior. Some even enjoy hurting others.

God's way
Go to that one, ask forgiveness, and be reconciled(Matthew5:23-24; Romans12:18; James5:16).
--------------------------------------------------
Problems/conflicts
Man's way
We avoid problems and do everything we can to get out of them. We look for excuses or shift blame to others. We fail to admit we even have problems or say they are someone else's fault.

God's way
Conflicts and problems are for your good and for your spiritual growth. They help you to see what is within yourself(Matthew15:18-20). Rejoice that God uses them to bring you to maturity(Romans5:3-5;James1:2-4).
-------------------------------------------------
Leadership
Man's way
We are told to assert ourselves. Learn to take charge and give orders; these are keys to success.

God's way
Be willing to be a servant. The best leader is the one who serves. God gives more grace to the humble(Matthew20:26-28).
------------------------------------------------
Sex
Man's way
We seek lovers to satisfy us. We say it is our spouse's duty to meet our desires;"After all, my spouse belongs to me."
God's way
You and your spouse belong to theLord; you must seek to meet your spouse's best interests and to bless your spouse. Sex is to be reserved for marriage only(1Corinthians7:4; 1Thessalonians4:3; Hebrews13:4).
--------------------------------------------------
Anger rights
Man's way
We retaliate in order to get even. We protect our rights and don't let them be violated.

God's way
Your response to difficulties is to put off anger, forgive, and return a blessing(Romans12:14; Ephesians4:31-32). Be willing to give up your freedom or "rights" for the sake of others(Matthew5:43-48; Romans14:15-21).