PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Proverbs 19-20
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“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 heart is naturally 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 mercy.
The most important decision we make is to surrender ourselves to God’s 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.
PRAYER
Lord, I sense this subtle yet sinister spirit of self in my heart, and how it shapes what I think, say and do. I need help, and I believe you can help me!
Its what is inside that counts: “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails… Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find?.. The human spirit is[c] the lamp of the Lord that sheds light on one’s inmost being.” I may cozy up to someone – be friendly and nice because it may benefit me and ignore someone else because they have nothing to offer me – they’re poor and have little. That is shallow – it is what is inside that counts. My saviour loves all people and especially those who are poor and needy or victims of injustice. His love is genuine -his example is the example I want to follow. There many not be a grateful person when you help someone (usually there is gratitude) – but that is not what I should be seeking – rather what is in the heart – a genuine desire to love my neighbour – without benefit to me! Lord help me to be faithful – overcome my own self-centredness!
I am known by my acts – by my words and deeds. My daily journey must be according to His commandments, walking in His light, listening to His voice in all I do and say. Fear Him. Live for Him. Listen and do.
When we walk with the Lord in the light of his Word
What a glory he sheds on our way!
While we do his good will, he abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.