We live in a world where countless roads claim to lead to success—express lanes to happiness, toll-free routes to purpose, and flashy detours promising fulfillment in the Eternal Now. And many folks, good-hearted and well-meaning, are sprinting full speed ahead. But here’s the kicker: what if the road you're on is the wrong one?

The evidence is sobering. A growing number of Christians find themselves drained rather than fulfilled, weary instead of flourishing, spiritually stuck in a cycle that feels more like surviving than thriving. So, let’s ask the question straight up: If you’re on a path that doesn’t lead to life, what good is it—even if it’s dressed up in church clothes, labeled “faith”, with a dash of success? Well, Psalm 1 wastes no time getting real: “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked, or stand in the way that sinners take, or sit in the company of mockers.” — Psalm 1:1 This isn’t ancient poetry for coffee mugs—it’s a wake-up call for anyone cruising down the freeway of folly in a convertible of cultural comfort. The consequences of this path are not just spiritual stagnation, but a life that is drained of its true purpose and potential.

This path is the slow slide into stupid. Psalm 1 maps out the decline with eerie precision. First, you walk with the wicked, just taking a casual stroll with compromised values. Then, you stand with sinners, lingering in what once bothered your conscience. Finally, you sit with mockers, kicking back in cynicism, proud of your detour. This is how foolishness works: it doesn't crash in like a wrecking ball—it creeps in like a fog. You don’t fall off the cliff; you slide down it with earbuds in, nodding to the soundtrack of your self-made playlist.

Now, let’s define our cast of characters. The wicked are those who flip morality upside-down, calling evil good and good evil. The sinner isn’t just someone who messes up—it’s someone who loves life off-course, missing the mark of God’s love. The mocker? They’ve gone numb to beauty, allergic to truth, and allergic to anything not in their image. Contempt becomes their native tongue.

Here’s where the Armor of God comes in. If you’ve ditched the Breastplate of Righteousness—that piece of God’s gear that guards your heart—you’re wide open to compromise, bitterness, and burnout. Righteousness isn’t religious performance; it’s God’s way of keeping your heart safe, your identity secure, and your soul on course. It's not just a piece of armor, it's a shield that protects your heart from the attacks of the enemy. Without it, we fall prey to what I call “righteousness drift”—a slow fade where we swap eternal values for cultural applause.

The Bible doesn’t just warn us—it shows us the consequences in living color. Samson had muscle but no moral compass. His strength outpaced his surrender. Saul chose optics over obedience and ended up spiritually bankrupt. The Rich Fool planned for everything... except his soul. And today? We’ve got influencers with platform but no character. Christians trading truth for likes. People hustling hard but hollow inside. “Going faster won’t help if you’re headed the wrong way.” — Unknown.

Here’s the good news (and you know I love good news): God never leaves fools without an off-ramp. Repentance is the U-turn. Grace is the invitation. And the road to righteousness is always open—no tollbooth, no traffic, just truth. No matter how far you've strayed, God's grace is always available. His love is the ultimate off-ramp, leading us back to the path of righteousness.

Psalm 1 closes with a holy mic drop: “For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.” — Psalm 1:6

That destruction doesn’t always come with sirens and explosions. Sometimes it’s subtle—spiritual dryness, a feeling of being disconnected from God, broken peace, an ache that whispers, “Something’s not right.” When we find ourselves in a state of spiritual dryness, it's a clear sign that we need to reevaluate our path and make a U-turn back to God. But remember: Christianity isn’t about becoming more religious—it’s about becoming fully human again, restored in Christ. And that journey starts by choosing the right road, and yes, putting on the armor.

Here are a few questions to reflect on. Where do I see signs of foolishness in my walk? Who or what is shaping my thinking right now? Have I armored up with righteousness—or am I running vulnerable? Something to think about. Next Week: The Path of Wisdom. We’ll explore what it means to be planted—rooted in truth, nourished by God’s Word, bearing fruit in season. The Path of Wisdom is about making decisions and living our lives in a way that aligns with God's Word and leads to spiritual growth and maturity. Spoiler alert: it’s less about trying harder and more about trusting deeper.

But for now, take a pause. A deep breath. A holy audit. Are you on the right path—or just a fast one? Remember, it only works if you work it, and as always…

Stay salty. Shine bright. Suit up.

Pastor Drake