Where Do Men End? By Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: Proverbs 16:18 – “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
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Introduction
Today, we are confronted with a profound question: Where do men end? This question is not about the physical end of a person’s life but the eternal destination of their soul. The answer lies in how one lives, whom they follow, and the choices they make. Scripture clearly tells us that pride leads to destruction, but humility before God brings honor. As we reflect on our lives, let us ask ourselves whether we are walking in humility or being swept away by the prideful and rebellious ways of the world.
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The Dangers of Pride and Rebellion
Pride and rebellion are two of the most dangerous traps for humanity. Those who are filled with pride often reject the ways of righteousness and refuse to submit to God. James 4:6 reminds us, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” The prideful person is blind to their own shortcomings and refuses to acknowledge their need for God. They may live in contempt of His standards and mock His ways, leading them down a path of destruction. As leaders, many fall into the snare of pride, believing they are above reproach, and they begin to lead with cruelty and selfishness. This is a dangerous road, and it leads to eternal ruin.
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The Responsibility of Leadership
When God grants authority and leadership positions, those who are placed in such positions are called to serve, not to dominate. Matthew 20:26-28 says, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Leadership is not about asserting power or controlling others, but about humbling oneself to serve and to lead with integrity and righteousness. When leaders forsake humility and embrace pride, they not only harm themselves but also lead others astray.
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The Consequences of Sin
Sin is always destructive, no matter how appealing it may seem in the moment. Romans 6:23 warns us, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Sin corrodes the soul, erodes integrity, and leads people away from God. The proud and rebellious find themselves caught in a cycle of deception, which ultimately leads to their downfall. Sin promises freedom but delivers bondage. Those who yield to sin and allow themselves to be entangled in it will face its consequences, which are always tragic. The end of sin is always death, but those who remain in Christ are promised eternal life.
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Avoiding the Entanglements of the Wicked
The world’s values are empty and lead to destruction. 1 John 2:15-17 says, “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” The wicked seek to entrap the just, to lure them into their sin, and to destroy their faith. However, God calls His people to avoid such entanglements. We are not meant to imitate the world or its ways, but to be set apart, living in righteousness and truth. As we walk in the Light of Christ, we are separated from the darkness of the world.
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The Ultimate End of the Wicked
What is the ultimate end of those who reject God and live in rebellion to His ways? The end is destruction and eternal damnation. Revelation 21:8 warns, “But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters, and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” Hell is not a place of enjoyment; it is a place of endless torment. Those who choose the path of rebellion against God will face eternal separation from Him, enduring unimaginable suffering. This is the fate of those who refuse to humble themselves before God and persist in their wickedness.
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Choosing the Path of Righteousness
The end of every man is determined by the choices they make. Will you choose to walk in humility, to obey God, and to live in righteousness? Or will you follow the prideful, rebellious path of the world? Psalm 1:6 reminds us, “For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.” The righteous will find their end in eternal life, but the wicked will face the consequences of their rebellion. Therefore, we are called to separate ourselves from the world and its lies and to dedicate our lives to God, walking in His truth and His ways.
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The Call to Separate and Dedicate
God calls His people to live a life of separation and dedication to Him. We are not to be conformed to the world but transformed by the renewing of our minds. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.” When we live for God, we find fulfillment and peace, and our end is one of eternal joy in His presence. Do not follow the lies of the enemy that lead to destruction. Choose to follow the path of righteousness, and you will find that God’s mercy and grace will be abundant to you.
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Summary
The end of all men is determined by their choices and the paths they choose to follow. Those who live in pride and rebellion will face eternal destruction, but those who humble themselves before God and live in obedience to His commands will find life and honor. Sin leads to death, but righteousness leads to eternal life. We must choose to separate ourselves from the world and its deceptive ways and live for God, dedicating our lives to His will.
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Conclusion
The end of every man is not determined by fate but by the choices they make. Will you choose the path of humility and righteousness, or will you follow the prideful and rebellious ways of the world? The end is certain for those who choose rebellion, but for those who walk in obedience to God, the end is eternal life with Him. Let us choose today to follow Christ and walk in His righteousness, knowing that our end is secure in Him.
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Prayer of Dedication
"Lord, I choose to humble myself before You today. I renounce the pride and rebellion of the world and dedicate my life to following Your will. Help me to live in obedience to Your Spirit and to walk in the righteousness You have called me to. I thank You for Your mercy and grace, and I trust that You will lead me on the path to eternal life. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen."
