Tiny Devotional for Wednesday, 07-21-2021

A great good morning to all my friends and neighbors in Internet Land! And to family members who have dropped by, let’s just chill for a bit.

Every person’s way is right in his own eyes,
But the Lord examines the hearts.
Proverbs 21:2, NASB


Teasing and banter exchanged between a loving husband and wife:  

“I gave you mustard; now you want a napkin, too?”

This is one of the ways that she marks me as her own. It’s a joy to both of us, much as play-wrestling with a puppy or kitten. The Lord examines our hearts, and sees that we are really saying “I love you!” in all our interactions.

At the other end of the spectrum, this verse concerns the way people lie to others and themselves. It’s rare for a person to admit that what they are about to do is wrong. They may agree that theoretically, the contemplated act is wrong, but they have justification for why it’s okay for THEM to do it. 
It can make for a hilarious scene in a book or movie, but the consequences of rationalization in real life are always painful, sometimes lethal. If we don’t die, that’s how we learn to desire change.

However, once we resolve to live a life of truth, can we really know our hearts, after years of lying to ourselves?  This can lock us into the paralysis of analysis, where we do NOTHING out of fear of bad motives.

Suggestion One: ignore your motives, and just do the good act. The poor still get fed, even if your motive is wrong. You will grow.

Suggestion Two: seek knowledge of the Lord, because He ALREADY knows your heart. And unlike your heart, He will not deceive you.


Peace be on your household.

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