What He Sees

Every man’s way is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the hearts. Proverbs 21:2 (New American Standard Bible)

The true test of any action is not what we think or see but rather what God considers. He goes beyond the surface of our behavior and examines the motives that are driving us to act. Whether it be our relationships with others, our performance at work, our carrying out of responsibilities, or our many multi tasking ventures, His litmus test is always our hearts. Our heart can mislead and deceive us but it can never escape God’s perfect examination.

Since God is the one who knows my heart, it is imperative that I continually go to Him and ask Him to reveal to me what He is seeing. Even with the best of intentions I can be prone to live with self deception if I am not seeking to know what is crystal clear to Him. There are questions I can take to Him and He will graciously answer them. Here are just a few: Why am I about to say that? Why am I taking on this new responsibility? Why am I going in this direction? What is driving me to do the things I am doing?

Along with questions I can also seek clear understanding. Show me where pride is present. Show me where I am seeking praise and applause. Show me where I am trying to derive value, meaning, and significance from relationships and situations. Show me where revenge, hurt, and anger may be involved.

Each of us wants to believe that our motives are pure and our actions are what they appear to be. Heart examination is painful at times because it exposes the truth that can be uncomfortable to admit. But the reason for such an exercise is not to bring shame or cause us to throw up our hands in resignation and defeat. The reason is so that God can begin to purify us and allow us to act out of the right motives. He desires us to align our hearts with His and bring forth actions that result from our relationship with Him.

There is much I can put my mind and hands to today. There are things I will say and tasks I will perform both in private as well as in the public arena of life. Ultimately it won’t be the opinions of myself or others that matter. It will be what God determines. I cannot hide or disguise any part of myself with Him. As my view of Him continues to be corrected, that brings about a sense of safety rather than dread. May I delight in the fact that His eye sees it all!

Father, open my eyes to the real me. Let me see what is behind every word and deed. Bring me to the heart of every matter. Amen.

Empty Me - Jeremy Camp
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KW4aCmI_uiw&feature=related

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.