Proverbs 21:2: Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the hearts.
Insight
Here again is this matter of man’s self–righteousness. Man rationalizes, but God scrutinizes. God looks at the heart. We attempt to paint up the surface so that we have the outside looking nice. We boast, “I’m a member of a church. I teach a class and serve on a committee. I’m always busy working for the church.” That may all be true, but God “ponders the hearts.” The prophet Jeremiah pointed out that “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jer. 17:9). He is the Great Physician. He was the first One who went into this business of heart transplants. He will give you a heart that can be obedient to Him. 1
Application
In Luke 16:15 Jesus taught us about having the right perspective about yourself: “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.”
We can easily justify ourselves to accommodate a desire for low-level living. We can often be tempted to do only what we want, (when we want) without ever thinking about what God may want us to do. Do you live sacrificially in order to be a blessing to others, or do others only get your leftovers (that is: whatever you conveniently decide to give of your time and resources, without much personal sacrifice.)
Motivation
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. James 1:22
When life is over, there will no longer be an opportunity to do things the right way. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Father, please forgive my self-centered living. Please change my heart today.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: Poetry (Proverbs) (electronic ed., Vol. 20). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
