Misguided Maps

Inclination to the flesh will leave an appetite.

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.”

Proverbs 14:12

I’ve traveled a lot in my brief life. Planes, highways, backroads. Coast to coast, even overseas. And if there’s one thing traveling taught me, it’s this: you can be moving fast, covering miles, and still be lost if you’re following the wrong map.

The first “map” in human history wasn’t written on paper; it was whispered in a garden.

The serpent handed Eve directions that looked official, sounded convincing, and promised more: “Eat this, and you’ll be like God.”

But here’s the thing: God had already given a map.

It was simple: “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.”

The true map was freedom with boundaries, abundance with one safeguard.

But Eve trusted the counterfeit directions instead.

Eve noticed that the fruit looked good, desirable, even wise.

But that map was misguided.

It didn’t lead to glory; it led to shame, fear, and distance.

That’s what the lyric says:

“Misguided maps / leads to the valleys only chasing highs / Inclination to the flesh will leave an appetite.”

Ever noticed that?

The chase always promises a feast but leaves you hungrier.

That appetite doesn’t always look like food.

It can look like money — stacking more, but never feeling secure.

It can look like relationships — hoping someone broken will fix your broken.

It can appear to be approval — living for likes and applause that fade away in a day.

It can look like success — the high of achievement that vanishes the moment you clock out.

It can look like pleasure — the hit, the drink, the hookup that leaves you emptier in the morning.

It can appear to be control — trying to manage everything, yet still lying awake, anxious.

It can look like status — chasing titles, clout, and crowns that rust.

It can look like stuff — cars, clothes, tech that lose their shine faster than they were bought.

It can even look like knowledge — knowing more, but still feeling hollow.

Or escape — scrolling, bingeing, numbing, anything but being still.

All of it feeds the appetite. None of it fills the soul.

Stephen Covey once said,

“People may spend their whole lives climbing the ladder of success only to find, once they reach the top, that the ladder is leaning against the wrong wall.”

That’s what misguided maps do. They get you somewhere, just not where you were meant to be.

BUT THE GOOD NEWS!!!!

Even when Adam & Eve ate, God still came walking in the garden.

Even when the first map led humanity astray, His voice called out, “Where are you?”

The true path still survives.

So maybe the question isn’t, “How did I end up here?” but, “Who’s calling me back?”

Reflection

Where have you been following a “map” that keeps leaving you empty?

What appetite have you been chasing that still hasn’t been satisfied?

And what ladders in your life might be leaning against the wrong wall?

Prayer

God, I’ve chased the wrong highs and fed the wrong appetite.

Redirect me. Lead me back to the path where You satisfy.