Something written by Allen Jackson (minister, not the country music singer):
"People may be right in their own eyes,
but the LORD examines their heart."
~ Proverbs 21:26 (NLT)
"People have been trying to justify their actions and attitudes ever since sin came into the world. When God confronted Adam and Eve with their sin, they both admitted they had eaten the one fruit He had told them not to eat. But they each took the opportunity to add a bit of justification. Adam explained, “She gave it to me!” And Eve defended herself with, “The serpent lied to me!” Both of them had done what was right in their own eyes, and both of their defenses fell flat because the Lord knew what was in their hearts. We’re pretty good at justifying ourselves, too. We can usually come up with what seems like a good reason for what we’ve done or want to do. That’s why we need to stay humble and stay close to the Lord. That’s why we need to actively seek the leadership of the Holy Spirit and lean into His guidance. We may be convinced of the rightness of our actions and attitudes, but the Lord judges our hearts according to His own holy standard."
THINK ABOUT IT
"When the Holy Spirit brings conviction, it’s not a point of shame or condemnation. It's an invitation from God to quietly say to Him, 'Lord, I'm sorry. I was wrong. Forgive me.' If you will do that, you open your life to God’s blessing, power, and transformation."
PRAYER
"Heavenly Father, forgive me for when I have justified my behavior instead of aligning myself with Your holy character. But now I pray with the psalmist: 'Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.' (Psalm 139:23–24, NIV). In Jesus’ name, amen."
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