It's The Heart That Matters Most
Proverbs 21:2 NKJ
Every way of a man is right in his own eyes,
But the LORD weighs the hearts.
A very human tendency is to justify our actions. Add to that, the idea that most people are accustomed to being the ones in total control of their lives. It takes a serious commitment to the Lord to put Him in His rightful place as the genuine Lord of our lives. And we can add all kinds of religious terminology to our actions, but in the end, the Lord knows what is in our heart.
In talking with people over the years, I have heard this phrase, "I have peace about it." Spoiler alert. Just because we have peace about it does not mean it's the right thing. I have seen this involve everything from relationships to ministry positions. I was speaking with a young pastor about a ministry he was involved in. I was encouraging him to get serious and seek God. What was I doing? Encouraging this young man to do the serious work of putting his plans before the Lord. He got back with me a day later and told me he had peace about the direction he was going. One day later. But he "had peace." Things did not turn out well for this man or his ministry, that no longer exists. I have watched too many people have peace about a relationship that led them in the wrong direction. Often, the "peace" we are feeling is our own desire. When we want something badly, we can easily justify our actions.
It takes genuine humility to put our plans before the Lord and ask if what we are doing is from Him or our own way. It also takes courage and a willingness to hear a no. Many years ago, I took my family to North Carolina to start a church. It was my plan, and it was not a good one. Joy counseled me against going. She also told me to go talk to my pastor before we just picked up and left. I refused, which in itself is not a good sign. If our plans are of the Lord and are good in His sight, we can be willing to listen to others.
So here is a good way to apply this verse. Whenever we are making plans, instead of just checking with ourselves and what we think is right, bring the plans before the Lord. He is able to see beyond our ideas and gauge what is in our heart. Lord, is this the right thing? I don't want it right before men, I want this right in Your eyes. I don't want to do something out of pride or selfish ambition; I want what You want for me. Is my heart right in this matter? This is a courageous prayer, particularly when we want something bad. It's much easier to justify our actions when our desires are strong.
Jesus was speaking about the love of money, and it made the Pharisees mad. Here was His answer in Luke 16:14-15 NKJ. "Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they derided Him. And He said to them, "You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God."
The Lord is the only truly righteous Judge, and He knows our heart. So a great prayer is: Lord, is my heart right before You in this matter? Remember, it's the heart before God, not what we or others think, that matters most.