In Return of the Jedi, as wise 900-year-old Yoda is dying, he passes along some important final information to Luke: “Remember, a Jedi’s strength flows from the Force. But beware: anger, fear, aggression—the dark side, are they. Once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny.”
It sounds like Yoda picked up that wisdom from King Solomon. In the very first chapter of his wisdom book, Proverbs, he passed along some important information:
Remember, your strength comes from your God and his teachings.
“Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck” (verses 8,9 NIV).
You can’t get through this life trying to be strong on your own. God’s power to handle all problems is what will give you strength to face every day.
But beware of the dark path.
“My son, if sinful men entice you, do not give in to them. If they say, ‘Come along with us...’ my son, do not go along with them, do not set foot on their paths. Such are the paths of all who go after ill-gotten gain; it takes away the life of those who get it” (verses 10,11,15,19 NIV).
Cheating, hurting others to get what you want, putting down other people, fighting, holding grudges, and gossiping all hurt you more than they hurt others. By doing what Satan and his dark side want, you are following the wrong path—the path that leads to destruction.
Let God guide your destiny.
