31 Days of Wisdom and Worship – Day 16 – Ryan Binkley
“People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives.”
Proverbs 16:2 NLT
Wisdom
In 1st Corinthians, Paul teaches us that if would judge ourselves properly that we we would not be judged. Jesus told us to not judge others because when we do we are judging ourselves because we do the same thing that they do. So, if we judge at all it needs to be directed primarily towards ourselves. The reason we need to be reflective to our own actions, behavior, and motives is because generally we think that we are right and unfortunately many times we are incorrect. Usually we think the other person is in the wrong or that their behavior justifies our own. Even if we seem pure in our own eyes and in our perspective, let’s let the Lord examine your motives. Allow Him to speak to you about your heart and motive. If you do this is a healthy and not condemning way, you will walk in truth and humility. This will allow the spirit of the Lord to move freely in your life. I remember over a decade ago I had an employee that I really wanted to terminate and get off of my team. Their behavior was destructive as they regularly lost their temper with other associates in our company. I remember praying and praying about this individual and God would always tell me the good things about them. It was interesting that as bad as they were the Lord was always telling me things that I could do to lead better instead of me just focusing on their weakness. He would highlight their diligence and work ethic and always challenge me to see the good in them. Eventually we parted ways, but I learned more about myself and how to manage others during that time than in any other before or since. If we can see the good in others and ask the Lord to weigh our hearts, then we will be walking in humility and the truth and He will lead us discern ourselves and others properly.
Worship
“Don’t be upset because of evil people. Don’t be jealous of those who do wrong, because like the grass, they will soon dry up. Like green plants, they will soon die away. Trust the LORD and do good. Live in the land and feed on truth. Enjoy serving the LORD, and he will give you what you want. Depend on the LORD; trust him, and he will take care of you.”
Psalms 37:1-5 NCV
Lord, I give you my relationships today. I give you my most difficult relationship today and I trust You to help me see what you see in them. I pray blessing over my friends, family and even my enemies. I pray that Your goodness would surround all of our lives and that we would all feed on Your truth. May your ways surround me and may I hear your voice only. I trust and depend on You for my future and my life. Lead me in the way of truth and examine my heart. May my ways and heart be pleasing to you. I love you forever. Amen.