Date: Saturday, 28th October, 2023
Text: Proverbs 16:2
Author: Pastor Adedeji Fadehan
Exhortation:
The fact that we feel our actions are right does not make them right in the eyes of God. The Lord examines our hearts and knows the true intentions behind what we do- Proverbs 16:2.
The Pharisees’ actions were right in their own eyes. They fasted twice in a week, gave tithes and prayed long prayers. When they gave alms they announce it; their acts of “righteousness” were practiced in the front of others to be seen by them. When they fasted they deliberately looked gloomy to impress others. They were more concerned about their reputation than their character. Their motives were self serving.
Jesus Christ described them as hypocrites (Matthew 6). A hypocrite focuses more on his actions than the intention behind them. He does the right things for the wrong reasons. The things he does are for men to see and approve. Once he gets the praise of men, he is happy, satisfied and feels righteous. But the nod of men does not equate the approval of the Most High.
The fact that you feel blameless does not make you innocent. It is the Lord who judges- 1 Corinthians 4:4 .There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death- Proverbs 14:12.
The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart- I Samuel 16:7. God’s word is the perfect standard by which all forms of morality are weighed.
Apostle Paul wrote, “If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:3. An outward practice of religion has no spiritual worth unless it is motivated by love for God and done in line with the truth of His Word.
Reflective Nugget: The fact that we feel our actions are right does not make them right in the eyes of God.