THE STORY OF JESUS: Proverbs 20
“Who can say, ‘I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin?’” (Proverbs 20:9)
After saying “the righteous lead blameless lives” (20:7), the teacher says this.
Paul thought he was blameless at one time, but then he met Jesus (Philippians 3:6-9).
The problem is our minds are deceptive and we fool ourselves into thinking we’re OK.
The selfish heart is biased, so that we minimize our sins and flaws.
Jesus took the opposite approach; He called people to magnify their awareness of their sin.
“Why do you… pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” (Matthew 7:3)
This proverb challenges us to face the truth: our sin is worse than we realize.
The most important moment in our life is when we realize our desperate condition.
The next most important moment is when we admit this to God, and seek His mercy.
The most important decision we make is to surrender ourselves to God and His mercy.
Jesus stands before us all, graciously humbling us so that He can help us up.
As long as we think we’re OK, we are beyond help because we don’t think we need it.
I am not being too hard on myself, I am starting to feel how impure my heart is.
But this awareness is good, because then I am in a place to appreciate His grace and mercy.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, I am sensing the subtle yet sinister spirit of selfishness in my heart, and how it shapes what I think, say and do. I need help, and I believe You can help me!
Proverbs 20:3
‘It is to one’s honor to avoid strife,
but every fool is quick to quarrel.’
This verse reminds me of another, ‘As far as it depends upon you, live at peace with all mankind.’ It takes two to quarrel. And as long as the quarrel does not affect your salvation, walk away. Too many fights are still happening today because people are insisting upon their ways, their desires, their wants without regard to their neighbour. I need to live the JOY principle everyday – Jesus – Others – Yourself – each and every day. Love my neighbour for love is the greatest commandment. Help me Lord to do this today and every day as I place You first in all my decisions.
Living for Jesus who died in my place,
Bearing on Calv’ry my sin and disgrace;
Such love constrains me to answer His call,
Follow His leading and give Him my all.
O Jesus, Lord and Savior,
I give myself to Thee,
For Thou, in Thy [redemption],*
Didst give Thyself for me;
I own no other Master,
My heart shall be Thy throne,
My life I give, henceforth to live,
O Christ, for Thee alone.