September 6, 2018 - - Proverbs 6:16 - 19 - - a quick examination of the heart

16 There are six things the Lord hates,

seven that are detestable to him:

17 haughty eyes,

a lying tongue,

hands that shed innocent blood,

18 a heart that devises wicked schemes,

feet that are quick to rush into evil,

19 a false witness who pours out lies

and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.

Proverbs 6 NIV

What a great check-list for our hearts. As we examine ourselves before the Lord, Who searches out hearts, before Whom nothing is hidden, we can ask:

i. Am I haughty--look down at someone as if I am superior?

ii. Am I truthful in all my words, in what I said and what I leave unspoken?

iii. We may think: it is unlikely anyone in my circle of friend has shed innocent blood. Really? Abortion is the shedding of innocent blood. According to Jesus, anyone who lives with unforgiveness is a murderer.

iv. Am I secretly plotting revenge against someone for what they have said or done? I Corinthians 13 teaches us, even keeping a record of the wrongs others have done is unloving. Therefore detestable to God.

v. Am I training myself for evil? What am I playing? What am I watching? What am I celebrating--ask yourself, are any of these a training ground for evil?

vi. Am I guarding the good reputation and character of those around me? Am I speaking in confidence and in love to one who is slandered?

vii. We live in an age of exaggeration and hyperbole. Are my posts, my words, my comments adding fuel to the fires? Am I like healing anointment to the heart of one who is wounded?

Thank You, Father in heaven, that the end of all warfare and conflict is found at the foot of the cross of Jesus Christ. Thank You, Father in heaven, that Jesus has reconciled us to Yourself. Thank You, Father and Son, for the Holy Spirit, Who knows the deep and hidden things of our hearts and digs them out, purging them so that the grace of Jesus and the healing He brings can be applied to every relationship and every painful wound we carry. Jesus by Your rule You are bringing everything into submission--give us the gift of the Spirit Who softens our hearts so that we humbly offer and receive Your healing grace. Teach us, Spirit of God, the way of humble obedience. Blessed be Your Name, O God. Amen.