November 15
Ezekiel 31:1-32:32; Hebrews 12:14-29; Psalm 113:1-114:8; Proverbs 27:18-20
Water, like a mirror, reflects our physical image. And, in the second proverb at the end of our reading, we’re told that our life—our behavior—also reflects our hearts (27:19). The simplicity of this proverb could take us in one of two directions. It could be that my behavior reveals my heart to myself. When we take an honest look at how we arrange our schedules; spend our money; speak to others; and make decisions in keeping with, or counter to, God’s Word; we get a good sense of our true thoughts, feelings, priorities, and dreams. Our behavior is a check on reality. It gives us an honest read on our inner life.
This proverb may also be telling us that our behavior reveals our hearts to others. Regardless of what we might say about ourselves, what I do outwardly gives others a window into my soul. The encouraging word spoken, a need quietly met, the celebration of another, and a willingness to listen and pray becomes a spiritual echocardiogram that others read. And the sullen response, the arrows aimed inward, jostling for power and control do the same.
It is a humbling thought. Others can look at our lives and see our hearts. They can know what we value by how we spend our time and resources. They can glimpse a heart that is now closed—little more than a vault for God’s work in the past—or a spirit that continues to grow and be renewed and is filled with the Spirit’s love and joy and peace.
Heavenly Father, help me to value the gospel above all else and have a heart that reflects the wonder of who you are!
Question: What do those around you see as they view your heart through your life? That you value the gospel above all? That your soul is in pursuit of God?
Water, like a mirror, reflects our physical image. And, in the second proverb at the end of our reading, we’re told that our life—our behavior—also reflects our hearts (27:19). The simplicity of this proverb could take us in one of two directions. It could be that my behavior reveals my heart to myself. When we take an honest look at how we arrange our schedules; spend our money; speak to others; and make decisions in keeping with, or counter to, God’s Word; we get a good sense of our true thoughts, feelings, priorities, and dreams. Our behavior is a check on reality. It gives us an honest read on our inner life.
This proverb may also be telling us that our behavior reveals our hearts to others. Regardless of what we might say about ourselves, what I do outwardly gives others a window into my soul. The encouraging word spoken, a need quietly met, the celebration of another, and a willingness to listen and pray becomes a spiritual echocardiogram that others read. And the sullen response, the arrows aimed inward, jostling for power and control do the same.
It is a humbling thought. Others can look at our lives and see our hearts. They can know what we value by how we spend our time and resources. They can glimpse a heart that is now closed—little more than a vault for God’s work in the past—or a spirit that continues to grow and be renewed and is filled with the Spirit’s love and joy and peace.
Heavenly Father, help me to value the gospel above all else and have a heart that reflects the wonder of who you are!
Question: What do those around you see as they view your heart through your life? That you value the gospel above all? That your soul is in pursuit of God?
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