Wednesday, October 15, 2014

15 in 30 for 30

I've realized something as I've done this 30 for 30 series.

Proverbs, when addressing the end product of following Wisdom and Righteousness, or Folly and Wickedness, the assumption most novice Ancient Middle Eastern Wisdom Literature readers have is that these are commands to be a certain way, as one leads to another. In a sense, yes, that's true...

However, these are wise observations of the world around us.
"The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good. A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit." Proverbs 15:3-4
God is involved. Directly. Again, not getting in the debate of whether God causes (I don't believe that) or allows (I have a hard time grasping that language) evil.

God watches closely. And the writer is basically saying the fruit of the righteous and the wicked come to be because, well, that's what happens. It's an observation of truth. The way things currently are.

As you continue through chapter 15, you noticed God's embracing of righteousness and the despising of wickedness. We sometimes don't think of ourselves as "wicked," as most would think the word to be too archaic and outdated. But...
"There is severe discipline for him who forsakes the way; whoever hates reproof will die. Sheol (Death) and Abaddon (Destruction) lie open before the LORD; how much more the hearts of the children of man!" v. 10-11
If God knows the hearts of personified Death and Destruction, who are we kidding when we think we can hide our motivations from God? Rebellious people don't like to be corrected, but discernment helps us see the motivation.

God obviously discerns our hearts.

I've had that C.S. Lewis quote at the top of this blog for a long time:

"Surely what a man does when he is taken off his guard is the best evidence for what sort of man he is..." - C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

I hang on to this quote a lot because Lewis speaks truth about our condition. We're motivated by a lot of things. Our hearts and minds contain our desires, dreams, fears, etc.

And they're leaky.

Unless you shut yourself in a room for the rest of your life and no one know's of your existence, who you are and what you think comes out. Quite easily, actually, no matter how hard you try.

So what does God see in you? No, don't see God as a cosmic killjoy. He cares about you. Deeply. He will not shame you for your past, present, or future. That's what Satan does.
God will lift you up. Trust Him.


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